Malaria
This can be a medical emergency. Seek same-day medical care for any fever within a year of visiting a malaria area.
A parasitic infection spread by mosquitoes. Plasmodium falciparum malaria can become fatal within days, so fever after travel to a malaria area needs urgent testing.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
About 250 million cases and 600,000 deaths a year, mostly children in Africa.
Causes
- Plasmodium parasites (falciparum, vivax, ovale, malariae, knowlesi) transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes
Risk factors
- Travel to or living in endemic areas
- No prophylaxis
- Young children, pregnancy
Symptoms
- Fever and chills
- Headache, muscle aches
- Vomiting
- Severe malaria: confusion, seizures, jaundice, breathing difficulty, dark urine
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Thick and thin blood films
- Rapid diagnostic tests
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Artemisinin-based combination therapy for uncomplicated falciparum
- Intravenous artesunate for severe malaria
- Primaquine or tafenoquine to clear liver stages of vivax/ovale
Possible complications
- Cerebral malaria
- Severe anaemia
- Kidney failure
- Death
Prevention
- Antimalarial prophylaxis
- Insect repellent, bed nets
- Malaria vaccines (RTS,S, R21) for children in endemic regions
Outlook
Curable with prompt treatment.
When to see a doctor
Seek same-day medical care for any fever within a year of visiting a malaria area.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
Educational overview, not medical advice. Treatment varies by person and location. Consult a qualified health professional for diagnosis or care. Read our content and model notes and privacy information.