Question 1

How accurate is the rapid test?

Accepted Answer

Malaria RDTs are over 95% accurate for P. falciparum when parasite levels are high enough to detect. For very early infections with low parasite loads, blood film microscopy may pick up more, so consider the Shield panel if you want both.

Question 2

Can I have malaria without fever?

Accepted Answer

People who've had malaria many times, which is common in Ghana, can build partial immunity and carry parasites with mild or no symptoms. If you feel generally unwell, testing is still worth it.

Question 3

Why not just take antimalarials when I feel sick?

Accepted Answer

Many fevers in Ghana are not malaria. Typhoid, viral infections, and other conditions share the same symptoms. Taking antimalarials for a fever that isn't malaria delays the right treatment and feeds drug resistance.

Malaria RDT: Fast, accurate malaria detection