Malaria symptoms

If you are developing malaria, you usually start to feel unwell 1 to 4 weeks after infection. You might have:

• fever that might come and go
• headache and aching joints
• nausea, and possibly diarrhoea or vomiting
• yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

If untreated, malaria can cause anaemia, kidney failure, seizures, coma and even death. Malaria can occur months after infection, and some types can recur years later.

Who is at risk of malaria?

Malaria is common in parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, the Pacific Islands and the Middle East. While it is not present in mainland Australia, occasionally the Torres Strait Islands are affected. When travelling to areas affected by malaria, it is important to take precautions to avoid becoming infected.

Malaria can affect anyone, but pregnant women are particularly at risk. Malaria can be severe in pregnant women and can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth. Young children are also at high risk, and can become rapidly ill when infected.

Malaria prevention

If you are travelling to a malaria-infected area, you should take antimalarial medication. Medication must be taken before, during and after travel. Your doctor or travel clinic can tell you if an area you plan to visit is affected, and provide you with a prescription.

Some malaria medications, such as chloroquine, are considered safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Others are not.

To avoid mosquito bites:

• stay indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitos are most active
• stay in a screened or air-conditioned room, or sleep under a mosquito net treated with permethrin
• wear covered footwear outside and loose, light-coloured clothing that covers your body
• apply mosquito repellent containing DEET (diethyltoluamide). Use sparingly on children and avoid their hands, eyes and mouth. If you are pregnant, check with your doctor first
• spray mosquito repellent onto your clothes
• use pyrethrum insect sprays or vaporising mats inside
• burn mosquito coils when outdoors.

Unfortunately, these precautions can't guarantee your protection from malaria. Please seek medical help immediately if you develop malaria symptoms.