What it is
It is treated with antimalarial medicines, often in hospital.
Antimalarial tablets, insect repellent, covering skin and sleeping under a mosquito net greatly reduce the risk when travelling.
Common signs
- High temperature, sweats and chills
- Headache
- Feeling sick and vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Diarrhoea
- Yellow skin or eyes
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood tests (blood film and rapid tests), sometimes repeated
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Blood test results
- Travel history and antimalarial tablets taken
- Hospital discharge letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which antimalarial tablets do I need for my trip?
- How long should I take them after I return?
- Could symptoms come back?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Fever after travel to a malaria area, especially with confusion, drowsiness or breathing problems: get urgent medical help the same day
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.