Not every fever is malaria: why you should test first

When you feel feverish, tired and achy, it is natural to think "malaria" and reach for an antimalarial. But fever has many causes, including typhoid, flu, urinary tract infections and other viral illnesses. Treating the wrong illness means you stay sick for longer.

Why testing matters

• You get the right treatment. If it is not malaria, antimalarials will not help, and the real cause goes untreated.
• You save money. A rapid test costs far less than a full course of the wrong medicine.
• You protect everyone. Taking antimalarials when you don't need them helps malaria parasites become resistant, which makes the medicines less effective for everyone.

Ghana Health Service guidance is to test before you treat.

How the rapid test works

A malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) needs just a drop of blood from a finger prick. The result is ready in about 15–20 minutes. We can do the test for you at DenRich Pharmacy.

If the test is positive

Your pharmacist will recommend an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and explain exactly how to take it. Always finish the full course, even if you feel better after a day or two.

Danger signs: go to hospital immediately

Seek urgent medical care if the sick person:

• is very drowsy, confused or hard to wake
• has fits (convulsions)
• cannot drink or keeps vomiting everything
• has difficulty breathing
• is a young child, pregnant woman or elderly person with a high fever

Prevention still matters most

Sleep under an insecticide-treated net every night, clear stagnant water around your home, and use repellent in the evenings.

Feeling feverish? Walk in for a malaria test, or message us on WhatsApp for advice.