Malaria is a serious disease spread through mosquito bites that causes fever, chills, and can become life-threatening without treatment. In Lilongwe, the malaria risk sits at 63 out of 100, meaning transmission is moderate to high year-round, with a spike during and just after the rainy season from November through May. Lilongwe's risk comes from its tropical climate, standing water in urban drainage channels, construction sites that collect water, and the widespread presence of Anopheles mosquitoes that bite mostly between dusk and dawn.

Practical prevention steps for Lilongwe residents and visitors:

Sleep under an insecticide-treated net every night. This is your single most effective defense. Make sure the net has no holes and tuck it under your mattress. Replace nets every three years or after heavy washing.
Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin from around 6 PM to 6 AM. Products containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus work well. Reapply every few hours, especially if you are outdoors in areas near drains or gardens.
Reduce standing water around your home. Empty buckets, old tires, flower pot trays, and blocked gutters at least weekly. Even small puddles in construction sites or uncovered water storage containers become breeding sites.
Wear long sleeves and trousers during evening hours, particularly if you are near open drains, market areas, or outdoor gatherings after dark. Light-colored clothing may attract fewer mosquitoes.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, headache, or body aches. Visit a clinic for a rapid test within 24 hours of symptoms starting. Early treatment prevents severe illness and saves lives.

These steps together dramatically lower your chance of infection in Lilongwe.

Malaria risk in Lilongwe

Prevention Guide