Understanding Tropical Disease / Parasite / Malaria
Malaria is a common illness in Ghana and West Africa that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can make you feel very unwell very quickly, with fever, chills, and body aches. If you think you or your child may have malaria, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible — treatment is available and most people recover well with the right care.
Common Symptoms / Concerns for Tropical Disease / Parasite / Malaria
When to Seek Professional Care
Book an evaluation with a healthcare provider immediately if you experience or present with:
- Fever above 39°C that does not come down with paracetamol
- Child becomes unconscious or cannot be woken up
- Seizures or convulsions (body shaking uncontrollably)
- Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- Unable to keep any food or water down due to vomiting
- Confusion, strange behaviour, or not making sense when talking
- No urination for many hours or very dark-coloured urine
- Fever in a child under five years old or in a pregnant woman
What to Expect During Your Medical Consultation
When you visit the doctor for malaria, they will ask you about your symptoms — such as when the fever started, whether you have been sweating or shaking, and if you have been in an area where malaria is common. The doctor will check your temperature, look at your eyes, and may gently press on your stomach to check for any swelling. They will most likely do a quick blood test or a rapid malaria test to confirm whether you have malaria, so they can give you the right treatment straight away.
Medical Divisions Vetted for Tropical Disease / Parasite / Malaria
Our platform supports multiple clinical specialties capable of providing consultations for this visit type:
Infection Doctor
Clinicians available for tropical disease / parasite / malaria consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes malaria and how do you get it?
Malaria is caused by tiny germs called parasites that enter your blood when a mosquito bites you. Not all mosquitoes carry malaria — it is spread by a type called the Anopheles mosquito, which usually bites at night. You cannot catch malaria from another person by touching or being near them.
Can I treat malaria at home with herbs or local remedies, or do I need to see a doctor?
Malaria is a serious illness that needs proper medicine from a clinic or hospital — home remedies and herbs alone are not strong enough to clear the parasites from your blood. Waiting too long or relying only on local remedies can make malaria much worse and even life-threatening. Please visit a health facility as soon as you notice symptoms so you can get tested and treated quickly.
What medicines are used to treat malaria?
The most common treatment for malaria in Ghana and West Africa is a combination medicine called ACT (Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy), which is available at clinics and pharmacies. Your doctor or nurse will choose the right medicine and dose based on your age, weight, and how severe your malaria is. It is very important to finish the full course of medicine even if you start feeling better, so all the parasites are cleared.
How can I prevent malaria for myself and my family?
The best way to prevent malaria is to avoid mosquito bites — sleep under a treated mosquito net every night, use mosquito repellent, and wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening. Remove any standing water around your home, such as in buckets, old tyres, or gutters, because that is where mosquitoes breed. Pregnant women and young children can also take preventive medicines recommended by a health worker.
How long does malaria last and when will I feel better after treatment?
Most people start to feel better within 1 to 3 days of starting the right malaria medicine. The full treatment usually lasts 3 days, and you should feel much stronger by the end of it. If you are not improving after 2 days of treatment, or if your symptoms get worse, go back to the clinic right away as you may need a different medicine.
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Our guides are reviewed by internal medical advisory boards to uphold patient guidelines and reference certified therapies.
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