Ambulance 912HAP 9252
Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

Malaria

Malaria is a serious infection caused by Plasmodium parasites after a bite from an infected mosquito. Fever during or after a stay in a malaria area must be treated as malaria until tests rule it out. Falciparum malaria in particular can quickly become life-threatening.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

Malaria is a serious infection caused by Plasmodium parasites after a bite from an infected mosquito. Fever during or after a stay in a malaria area must be treated as malaria until tests rule it out. Falciparum malaria in particular can quickly become life-threatening.

  • Fever, often with chills followed by heavy sweating.
  • Headache, muscle pain and feeling very ill.
  • Seek medical care the same day for fever after a trip with malaria risk, and immediately give the country, region and travel dates.
  • Do not wait at home or treat it only as flu or dengue.
  • Contact a doctor the same day for any fever during or after a stay in a malaria area, even after correct prevention.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.

Further reading

Browse A–Z
I
Illness while travellingIllness during or after travel needs assessment based on the destination, dates, mosquito and animal contact, food, fresh water, sex and activities. Seek immediate local help for severe symptoms; fever during or after time in a malaria area, possible rabies exposure, severe dengue signs and diving problems must not wait.
L
Lower abdominal and pelvic painLower abdominal or pelvic pain can arise from the bowel, bladder, muscles or reproductive organs. Pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, a twisted ovary or testicle, appendicitis and serious infection sometimes need to be ruled out quickly.
H
Heavy bleeding during or after childbirthHeavy bleeding during or after childbirth is called postpartum haemorrhage. The uterus often fails to contract adequately, but a tear, retained placental tissue or a clotting problem may also be the cause. It can quickly become life-threatening; continued heavy bleeding, dizziness, palpitations, breathlessness or collapse requires immediate action.