Malaria risk in Dhaka

Malaria Prevention Guide for Dhaka, Bangladesh

Risk Score: 58/100

What is Malaria: Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms include high fever, chills, headache, and fatigue. In urban areas like Dhaka, transmission is lower than rural regions but still present due to specific environmental conditions.

Local Risk Factors in Dhaka: Dhaka faces unique malaria risk because of rapid urbanization, poor drainage systems creating stagnant water pools, and high population density. Areas near water bodies like Buriganga River and wetlands have higher mosquito breeding. Construction sites with standing water, inadequate waste management, and monsoon rains further increase exposure risk, especially in peripheral slums and low-lying areas.

Actionable Prevention Steps:

1. Eliminate stagnant water around your home weekly. Empty flower pots, old tires, and containers where mosquitoes breed. Cover water storage tanks with tight lids.

2. Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets every night, especially during monsoon season from June to October when cases peak.

3. Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents on exposed skin during dawn and dusk when Anopheles mosquitoes are most active.

4. Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants to reduce skin exposure, particularly in evening hours.

5. Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing fever with chills. Early diagnosis through blood smear or rapid test prevents complications and reduces local transmission.

6. Support community efforts to improve drainage and waste management in your neighborhood.

Stay informed about local outbreaks through Dhaka City Corporation health advisories.