Malaria

Overview

Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. It mainly affects people living in or traveling to tropical and subtropical areas.

Malaria is common in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. According to the World Health Organization, there were over 240 million cases worldwide in recent years.

People of all ages can get malaria, but young children, pregnant women, travelers from non-affected areas, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe disease.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• High fever
• Chills and sweats
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue

Symptoms in children

• Fever
• Irritability or fussiness
• Poor feeding
• Vomiting
• Lethargy or sleepiness

Symptoms in older adults

• Fever that may be less pronounced
• Confusion or disorientation
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Decreased appetite

Causes

Main causes

• Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. There are five types that cause disease in humans, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most dangerous.
• The parasite enters the body through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.

Risk factors

• Living in or traveling to areas where malaria is common
• Not using mosquito prevention measures (like nets or insect repellent)
• Pregnancy
• Having a weakened immune system, such as from HIV/AIDS
• Being a young child or an older adult

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a fever and have recently traveled to a place where malaria is found
• If you have symptoms of severe malaria listed in the emergency section

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you feel unwell with fever, chills, or headache after traveling, even if it's been weeks since your return
• If you are planning to travel to a malaria-risk area and want advice on prevention

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms and travel history. They will order a blood test to check for the malaria parasite.

Tests that may be done

• Blood smear (microscopy) — a drop of blood is examined under a microscope to see the parasite
• Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) — a quick test that detects proteins from the parasite

What to expect at your appointment

You may need to give a small blood sample. Results from a rapid test can be ready in about 15 minutes. A blood smear may take a few hours. Your doctor will explain the results and start treatment if needed.

Treatment

Treatment for malaria involves taking medication to kill the parasite. The specific medicine depends on the type of Plasmodium, your age, and whether you are pregnant. It is important to take all doses exactly as prescribed, even if you start feeling better.

Self-care at home

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
• Use a cool cloth or take fever-reducing medicine (as advised by your doctor) to lower fever
• Avoid strenuous activity until you fully recover

Medical treatments

Doctors prescribe antimalarial medicines that target the parasite at different stages of its life cycle. For uncomplicated malaria, a course of oral medication is usually taken for 3 days. For severe malaria, treatment is given in a hospital, often through a drip (intravenous). Always follow your doctor's instructions and finish the full course.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat malaria.

Living with this condition

After treatment, most people recover fully, but fatigue can last for a few weeks. Follow your doctor's advice on rest and activity. It is important to avoid mosquito bites after recovery to prevent reinfection.

Lifestyle tips

• Use mosquito nets while sleeping
• Wear long sleeves and pants in mosquito-prone areas
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET or other recommended ingredients
• Stay indoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet to support recovery. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein. Gentle activity like walking is fine as you feel able, but avoid heavy exercise until your strength returns.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a serious illness like malaria can be frightening. It is normal to feel anxious or low during and after treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are struggling emotionally. Connecting with friends, family, or a support group can help.

Prevention

Yes, malaria can be prevented. Key measures include avoiding mosquito bites and taking preventive medicine (chemoprophylaxis) when traveling to high-risk areas.

Vaccines

There is a vaccine for malaria (the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine), but it is not yet widely available everywhere. It is recommended by the World Health Organization for children in areas with high transmission. Talk to your doctor about vaccine availability and suitability.

Screening programmes

Routine screening is not recommended for the general public, but travelers returning from high-risk areas with symptoms should be tested promptly.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe anemia (low red blood cells)
• Cerebral malaria (the parasite affects the brain, causing seizures or coma)
• Kidney failure
• Breathing problems from fluid buildup in the lungs
• Organ damage and death

Long-term outlook

With prompt and proper treatment, most people with malaria recover fully. Severe malaria is dangerous, but treatment in a hospital can save lives. Worldwide, efforts to prevent and treat malaria are improving, giving hope for reducing its impact.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Malaria ↗
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Malaria ↗
• Malaria No More ↗

Local organisations

• NHS – Malaria ↗ · United Kingdom
• Your country's malaria control program ↗ · Varies by location

Helplines

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