Paediatrics, by video or in person
Malaria in Children
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Malaria in Children
- Fever, which may come and go
- Shivering or chills
- Vomiting, or refusing food and drink
- Unusual sleepiness, weakness or irritability
- Headache or body pains in older children
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
Malaria is caused by a parasite passed on by mosquito bites, and children under five are the people most at risk of severe illness and death from it. The early signs, fever, chills, vomiting and poor feeding, look like many other childhood illnesses, so a child should be tested with a rapid test or a blood film before any antimalarial is given. That is the rule in Nigeria's national malaria guidelines and in the WHO guidelines. Untreated, the most common malaria parasite in Africa can become severe within a day, and treated early with the right medicine, uncomplicated malaria in a child usually clears well.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Fever, which may come and go
- Shivering or chills
- Vomiting, or refusing food and drink
- Unusual sleepiness, weakness or irritability
- Headache or body pains in older children
- Paleness, from anaemia
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital emergency department now if a child with fever has a fit, is very drowsy or cannot be woken, cannot drink or breastfeed, vomits everything, is breathing fast or with difficulty, looks very pale, has yellow eyes, or passes dark or cola-coloured urine. These can be signs of severe malaria, which needs injectable treatment in hospital the same day. Any other child with a fever should be tested for malaria within a day. Never start a second course of antimalarials because a child is not better: see a doctor again instead.
Treatment options
- A rapid diagnostic test or blood film before treatment
- Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for uncomplicated malaria, dosed by the doctor for your child's weight
- Injectable artesunate in hospital for severe malaria
- Fluids, and a check for anaemia
- Prevention with insecticide-treated nets, and seasonal prevention where it is offered
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Can I treat my child for malaria without a test?
No. Nigeria's national guidelines and the WHO both say every suspected case should be confirmed with a test first. A child whose test is negative has another cause for the fever, and that cause still needs finding.
The test was negative but my child still has fever. What now?
A negative rapid test or blood film usually means it is not malaria. The doctor will look for another cause, such as an ear, throat, chest or urine infection, and may repeat the test if your child stays unwell.
Why is my child still hot after starting treatment?
Fever can take a day or two to settle on the right medicine. If your child is getting worse, develops any danger sign, or is not improving after two days of treatment, see a doctor again the same day.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified paediatrics specialist near you.
Paediatrics in Lagos →Paediatrics in Abuja →Paediatrics in Port Harcourt →Paediatrics in Jos →Paediatrics in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Malaria. World Health Organization. Fact sheet.
- WHO guidelines for malaria. World Health Organization. Clinical guideline.
- Knowledge, attitude, and practice of the National Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Malaria among medical doctors in Ebonyi state, Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey. Omale UI et al., PLoS One 16(9):e0257600, 2021. Peer-reviewed.
- Fever in under 5s: assessment and initial management (NG143). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
Links last checked 24 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.