Malaria

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Malaria

is a disease caused by a parasite. It is usually spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Malaria can also spread through infected blood products or shared needles.

Common symptoms include the following:

• Fever
• Shaking chills
• Sweating
• Headache and muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain or diarrhea

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have a seizure.
• You have sudden shortness of breath.

Seek care immediately if:

• You have a severe headache.
• You are confused or sleepier than usual.

Call your doctor if:

• Your skin and the whites of your eyes are yellow.
• Your signs and symptoms get worse or do not go away, even after treatment.
• Your signs and symptoms return after treatment.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment

may include any of the following:

• Medicine is given to kill the parasites that are causing your infection. You may need more than 1 medicine, depending on the kind of malaria you have.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• artemether/lumefantrine
• Coartem
• Plaquenil
• Malarone
• Doxy 100

View more treatment options

Prevent malaria:

• Use an insect repellant. Apply an insect repellant to your skin, clothing, and other fabrics, such as blankets. Ask your healthcare provider which insect repellant is best to use.
• Cover your skin. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to keep your skin covered.
• Sleep under a mosquito net, if needed. This will help keep mosquitos from biting you as you sleep. Check if the mosquito net is soaked in insecticide. You may need to spray insect repellant on the net. Check your net for holes often.
• Protect your home. Put screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Use insecticide inside your home to kill mosquitoes that come into your house.
• Remove all standing water around your home. Mosquitoes lay their eggs and mature in water.
• Ask about medicines to prevent malaria during travel. These medicines may be given if you will be traveling to an area where malaria is common or has a current outbreak. Tell your healthcare provider about your travel plans as soon as possible. Some medicines need to be given several days before you travel.

Prevent the spread of infections:

• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wash your hands several times each day. Wash after you use the bathroom, change a child's diaper, and before you prepare or eat food. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first.
• Cover a sneeze or cough. Use a tissue that covers your mouth and nose. Throw the tissue away in a trash can right away. Use the bend of your arm if a tissue is not available. Then wash your hands well with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer. Do not stand close to anyone who is sneezing or coughing.
• Ask about vaccines you may need. Your provider may recommend these and other vaccines:
  • Influenza vaccine helps prevent influenza (flu). Everyone 6 months or older should get a yearly influenza vaccine. Get the vaccine as soon as recommended each year, usually in September or October.
  • Get a COVID-19 vaccine as directed. At least 1 dose of an updated vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months or older. COVID-19 vaccines are given as a shot in 1 to 3 doses, depending on the age of the person who receives it. COVID-19 vaccines are updated throughout the year. Your healthcare provider can help you schedule all needed doses as updated vaccines become available.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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