Heading abroad soon? Whether it’s for a holiday, work trip, or visiting family, preparing for travel means more than just packing your suitcase. One question we’re often asked at Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic is: “Is malaria contagious?” and more specifically, “Can I catch it from someone on a plane or in a hotel?”

There’s a lot of confusion around how malaria is spread, especially among first-time travellers or those heading to tropical destinations. In this Q&A guide, we’ll clear up the common myths, explain how malaria is transmitted, and show how you can protect yourself with pharmacy-supported prevention.

Q: Is Malaria Contagious from Person to Person?

A: No, malaria is not contagious in the way that colds, flu, or COVID-19 are. You cannot catch malaria from someone else through touching, coughing, sneezing, or close contact.

Malaria is caused by a parasite (Plasmodium) that is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. This type of mosquito is not found in the UK and only bites during night-time hours, typically from dusk until dawn.

Q: So How Exactly Do You Catch Malaria?

A: Malaria is spread exclusively by the bite of an infected mosquito. Here’s what happens:

1. A mosquito bites a person already infected with malaria.

2. The parasite develops inside the mosquito.

3. The mosquito then bites a new person, injecting the parasite into their bloodstream.

4. That person becomes infected and may start to show symptoms in 7–18 days (depending on the type of malaria).

Q: Can I Catch Malaria on a Plane?

A: It’s extremely unlikely. Airplanes are not environments where malaria transmission occurs. Anopheles mosquitoes do not generally survive or thrive at high altitudes or inside pressurised aircraft cabins.

However, if you were bitten by an infected mosquito before boarding the plane, symptoms may develop while you’re travelling or shortly after returning home. That’s why it’s important to start antimalarial medication before your trip, continue during, and complete the course after returning—exact timings depend on which tablet you’re prescribed.

Q: What About Hotels and Resorts? Could I Get Malaria There?

A: Yes, if you are staying in a high-risk country, and your accommodation is not properly protected. Even luxury hotels or eco-resorts in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, or parts of South America may be located in malaria-endemic zones.

If there are mosquitoes in the area and you’re not using protection, there’s a risk—particularly at night. Air conditioning, mosquito nets, insect repellent, and long sleeves are all helpful, but the most effective protection comes from using antimalarial tablets prescribed by a travel health expert.

Q: I’m Travelling Soon—What Should I Do to Protect Myself?

A: Visit us at Sudbury Court Pharmacy for a full travel health consultation. We’ll assess:

• –> Your destination and travel duration

• –> Accommodation type (urban hotel vs jungle lodge)

• –> Medical history and any medications you’re taking

• –> Personal risk factors, such as pregnancy or immune status

From there, we’ll advise on the best antimalarial tablet for your trip—options include Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone), Doxycycline, or Mefloquine—and ensure you understand how and when to take them.

We also offer travel vaccines, insect repellent advice, and mosquito net recommendations to keep you as safe as possible.

Q: Are There Any Symptoms I Should Watch Out for?

A: If you’ve been to a malaria-risk area and develop any of the following symptoms during or within a year after your trip, seek urgent medical advice:

• –> High temperature or fever

• –> Chills and sweats

• –> Muscle aches or fatigue

• –> Nausea or vomiting

• –> Headache or diarrhoea

Malaria can develop days, weeks, or even months after exposure—especially if medication was missed or stopped too early.

So, Is Malaria Contagious?

To summarise: Malaria is not contagious. You cannot catch it from other people. The only way to become infected is by being bitten by an infected mosquito—typically while in a malaria-endemic area.

At Sudbury Court Pharmacy, we’re here to help you stay safe while travelling. Whether you’re backpacking across Africa or heading to rural India for a wedding, we’ll guide you through what protection you need, from antimalarial prescriptions to travel vaccines and prevention tips. Reach out today.

Book your travel consultation with us today and let’s make your trip worry-free and healthy from start to finish.

This blog was written on behalf of Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.