Many sicknesses cause fever. In places with malaria, every fever must be tested.
1. Test
Go to a clinic or health worker the same day. A rapid malaria test gives a result in 15 to 20 minutes.
2. If the test shows malaria
Take the medicine the health worker gives you. Take all the tablets, even if you feel better.
3. If the test shows no malaria
The fever has another cause. Ask the health worker what to do. If the person is still sick, go back.
4. At home
- Give lots of water.
- Paracetamol can bring the fever down.
- Keep the person cool, not cold.
Danger signs: go to a clinic NOW
- fits (shaking of the whole body)
- very sleepy, or hard to wake up
- cannot drink or breastfeed
- vomiting everything
- fast or hard breathing
- very pale skin
Watch: Episode 4, Signs and Symptoms of Uncomplicated Malaria, and Episode 10, Rapid Diagnostic Testing → See the free series
This article gives general information only. Always follow a health worker’s advice.
