Malaria risk in Phnom Penh

Malaria Prevention Guide: Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Risk Score: 63/100)

Malaria is a serious disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, which breed in standing water and are most active at dusk and dawn. While Phnom Penh itself is considered a lower-risk area compared to rural Cambodia, the 63/100 risk score reflects ongoing concerns due to surrounding provinces, seasonal flooding, construction sites with standing water, and frequent travel between the capital and high-risk areas. Urban expansion has created pockets of stagnant water in drainage ditches, construction pools, and uncovered water storage containers that serve as breeding grounds. Travelers moving between Phnom Penh and provinces like Battambang or Siem Reap, where malaria rates are significantly higher, also contribute to the elevated risk.

Prevention Steps:

1. Use insect repellent containing DEET (20-30%) on exposed skin every evening, especially between 6 PM and 6 AM when mosquitoes are most active.

2. Sleep under a permethrin-treated mosquito net even in urban accommodations, as many budget guesthouses and hotels lack proper screening on windows and doors.

3. Take antimalarial prophylaxis if traveling to provinces surrounding Phnom Penh, particularly during the rainy season from May through October when mosquito populations surge.

4. Wear long sleeves and light-colored clothing during evening hours, and avoid areas near standing water, including uncovered water jars and construction sites common throughout the city.

5. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, chills, or body aches, and inform your healthcare provider of any recent travel outside the city.