Malaria: what to do if you suspect it?

What are we talking about?

Malaria is a disease transmitted by certain mosquitoes. In Bamako and other transmission areas, it is among the possible causes of fever, without being the only one.

According to the World Health Organization, clinical diagnosis alone is insufficient: parasitological confirmation (rapid diagnostic test or microscopy) is recommended before treating, when possible.

What you may observe

Suspicion may arise with fever, chills, headache, muscle pain or unusual fatigue. These signs remain non-specific.

Some people are particularly vulnerable according to WHO fact sheets: young children, pregnant women, immunocompromised people, non-immune travellers, among others.

Good practices

Seek an appropriate assessment without unnecessary delay, especially if the person belongs to a risk group or if general condition changes.

Preventing bites (mosquito nets, reducing larval breeding sites around the home) complements the approach, without replacing diagnosis when symptoms appear.

• Do not wait for worsening before seeking assessment
• Prefer parasitological confirmation when available
• Protect the home against mosquitoes

What to avoid

Avoid starting antimalarial treatment at random, on mere suspicion, or with leftover medicines from another person.

Avoid delaying care by multiplying self-medication attempts.

Medicines: what you need to know

Antimalarials are medicines for regulated use. The choice of regimen depends on diagnosis, age, possible pregnancy and current recommendations.

Do not modify a prescribed treatment and do not share your leftover tablets.

When to ask the pharmacist?

The pharmacist can explain the value of diagnostic confirmation, recall precautions related to medicines, and guide toward adapted care.

If a treatment has already been prescribed, bring the prescription and leaflet to clarify how to take it.

When to seek medical care?

Seek care promptly in case of fever with impaired general condition, repeated vomiting, confusion, seizures, breathing difficulty, or in a young child and a pregnant woman.

Early care reduces the risk of severe progression; do not wait for an online reply for a concerning situation.