Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is marking World Malaria Day (25 April) by raising awareness about malaria symptoms in children and why early treatment is critical.
Malaria remains one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases worldwide, and children under five are the most vulnerable. The illness is spread through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Once inside the body, the parasite first infects the liver, then enters the bloodstream, where it destroys red blood cells. Without prompt medical care, malaria can become severe very quickly, especially in young children.
“According to the World Health Organization’s latest World Malaria Report, in 2024 there were an estimated 282 million malaria cases globally and around 610,000 deaths, with the majority occurring in Africa,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“Children under five account for a large proportion of these deaths, which is why recognising the symptoms early and seeking treatment immediately is so important.”
Why Children Are More at Risk
Malaria can worsen rapidly in children, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours. Early symptoms often resemble those of the flu or other common viral illnesses, which means it can easily be overlooked at first. Delays in diagnosis can lead to serious complications. Children are particularly at risk because they have not yet developed partial immunity to the disease.
Their immune systems are still maturing, making it harder for their bodies to fight off the infection.
Early Symptoms of Malaria in Children
Symptoms usually develop between 7 and 30 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, although they may appear sooner.
Parents should look out for:
- High fever (often the first sign).
- Chills and shivering.
- Sweating.
- Headache.
- Body or muscle aches.
- Tiredness or unusual sleepiness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhoea.
- Loss of appetite.
In babies and toddlers, symptoms may be less obvious. They may become irritable, feed poorly, cry more than usual, or seem unusually drowsy. One classic sign of malaria is a sudden fever spike, sometimes accompanied by chills and shivering, followed by heavy sweating as the temperature drops.
Warning Signs of Severe Malaria
Malaria can progress quickly and become life-threatening. Parents should seek urgent medical care if a child develops:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Seizures.
- Confusion or reduced responsiveness.
- Extreme weakness.
- Persistent vomiting.
- Very pale skin (a sign of severe anaemia).
- Dark or cola-coloured urine.
Severe malaria can affect the brain (cerebral malaria), cause severe anaemia, organ failure, or shock.
How Malaria Is Diagnosed
Malaria cannot be diagnosed solely on symptoms. A blood test is required. Healthcare providers either examine a blood sample under a microscope or use a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) to detect the parasite.
Treatment Options
The good news is that malaria is treatable, and most children recover fully if treatment starts early.
Uncomplicated malaria is usually treated with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), which is highly effective when taken exactly as prescribed. Severe malaria requires hospital admission and intravenous medication.
Parents must ensure the full course of medication is completed, even if the child begins to feel better after a few days.
Preventing Malaria in Children
Prevention remains one of the strongest lines of defence, especially in higher-risk areas.
Simple steps include:
- Sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets.
- Using child-safe mosquito repellent.
- Dressing children in long sleeves and trousers in the evenings.
- Installing screens on windows and doors.
- Removing standing water around the home where mosquitoes breed.
A Final Word for Parents
Malaria is serious, but it is preventable and treatable when caught early. If your child develops a fever, particularly in a malaria-risk area, do not delay seeking medical advice. Acting quickly can prevent complications and save lives. This World Malaria Day, Affinity Health encourages families to stay informed and act fast, with access to doctor consultations and 24/7 telehealth GP services to support members when they need medical guidance most.