Malaria risk in Surabaya

Malaria Prevention Guide for Surabaya, Indonesia Risk Score: 66/100

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and fatigue. If untreated, it can become severe and life-threatening.

Surabaya presents moderate risk due to several factors: the city's tropical climate supports year-round mosquito breeding, urban wetlands and drainage areas create standing water for larvae, construction sites collect rainwater, and nearby rural areas report higher transmission rates. Travel to nearby islands or rural East Java increases exposure significantly.

Prevention Steps:

1. Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

2. Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets if staying in non-air-conditioned or ground-floor accommodations.

3. Wear long sleeves and pants during evening hours, particularly in areas near water or vegetation.

4. Eliminate standing water near your accommodation—check buckets, plant saucers, and drainage areas regularly.

5. Consider antimalarial prophylaxis if traveling to rural areas; consult a travel medicine clinic before departure.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever within weeks of travel. Early treatment prevents complications.