Malaria risk in Brazzaville

Malaria Prevention Guide for Brazzaville

Malaria is a serious disease caused by parasites spread through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It causes fever, chills, headache, and body aches, and can become life-threatening without treatment. Brazzaville faces elevated risk year-round due to its tropical climate, standing water from seasonal rains, and dense urban pockets with poor drainage.

Key local risk factors include the Congo River basin creating ideal mosquito breeding sites, limited mosquito control infrastructure in some neighborhoods, evening outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active, and inconsistent access to preventive medication among residents and travelers.

Five prevention steps to protect yourself:

Take antimalarial medication as prescribed. Consult a travel clinic or doctor before arriving to get the right prophylaxis for the region. Start medication before your trip, take it consistently during your stay, and complete the full course after leaving.

Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets every night. Check nets for holes and tuck them tightly under your mattress. Permethrin-treated nets offer the best protection.

Apply DEET-based insect repellent of 20 to 30 percent concentration on exposed skin each evening and reapply after sweating or swimming. Picaridin is a good alternative if DEET is unavailable.

Wear long sleeves and long pants from dusk to dawn, especially when outdoors. Light-colored clothing helps you spot mosquitoes and may reduce bites.

Eliminate standing water near your accommodation. Empty containers, cover water storage, and report stagnant water to building managers. Even small puddles breed mosquitoes within days.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever during or after your visit to Brazzaville. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent severe complications.