Main health risks for Malawi

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

The whole country is malarial below 1500 meters of altitude. Transmission is at its maximum from November to April in the coastal plain of Lake Malawi (500 to 1000 meters). The rest of the country (1000 to 3000 meters of altitude) is made of plateaus and mountains where malaria transmission is less important or null (above 1500 meters). Lilongwe is located at 1100 meters.

Plague has been identified in the country. But risk for travelers is low.

Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) poses a threat to travelers in 8 districts: Chikwawa, Kasungu, Machinga, Mangochi, Mulanje, Nhotakota, Ntchisi and Rumphi. The disease is transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly. Symptoms begin with fever and headache continues with mental confusions, insomnia during daytime and daytime slumber. If not treated, the disease can be fatal.

There are cases of animal rabies in the country.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarrheic diseases are common.

As in several countries of the area, there is a peak in cholera cases each year during the rain season. Most affected districts include Blantyre, Balaka, Ntcheu, Mulanje, Mangochi and Chiradzulu.

Due to the risk of leptospirosis and other parasitic infestations, travelers are advised not to bathe in fresh waters (lake, rivers.) and should not walk bare-foot.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

HIV/AIDS, is by far, the highest cause of mortality in Malawi. According to UNAIDS, 12% of adult population (15-49) is HIV positive. Among 13 millions of Malawians, more than 1 million is HIV positive.