Malaria risk in Lomé

Malaria Prevention Guide for Lomé, Togo Malaria is a serious disease caused by parasites spread through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It causes fever, chills, headache, and fatigue, and can become life-threatening if untreated. Lomé, Togo, sits in a tropical coastal zone where malaria transmission occurs year-round, with peaks during and after the rainy season from April to November. Local risk factors specific to Lomé include: - Standing water in urban drainage channels, construction sites, and discarded containers that serve as mosquito breeding sites - High humidity and warm temperatures that support mosquito survival year-round - Outdoor evening and nighttime activities along the waterfront, markets, and residential areas where mosquito biting is most intense - Limited consistent drainage infrastructure in neighborhoods like Tokoin, Bè, and Adidogomé Here are five actionable prevention steps for your time in Lomé: 1. Take antimalarial prophylaxis as prescribed by a travel health professional before, during, and after your visit. Options include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine. Start before departure as directed. 2. Sleep under a long-lasting insecticide-treated bed net every night, even in air-conditioned rooms. Ensure it has no holes and tuck it under your mattress. 3. Apply DEET-based insect repellent at 30 percent concentration or higher on exposed skin from dusk through dawn, when Anopheles mosquitoes bite most actively. 4. Wear long sleeves and long pants during evening hours, especially if you are near the coast, open-air restaurants, or outdoor gatherings. 5. Eliminate standing water near your accommodation. Empty any containers, buckets, or tires that collect rainwater, and report blocked drains to your host or hotel. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever during or after your trip, as symptoms can appear weeks after returning home.