Loading Page...

How likely is it to get malaria in Zambia?

Malaria precautions Malaria risk is high throughout the year in all areas including Lusaka. Malaria precautions are essential.



The risk of contracting malaria in Zambia is high year-round, and the disease is prevalent in all provinces, including the capital, Lusaka. While the risk is highest during the rainy season (November to April) when mosquito breeding is at its peak, it remains a serious threat in 2026 even in the "dry" winter months. Travelers are strongly advised to take antimalarial medication (such as Atovaquone/Proguanil or Doxycycline) as prescribed by a travel clinic before arrival. Beyond medication, you should practice "bite avoidance": wear long sleeves and trousers after dusk, use insect repellent with at least 30% DEET, and always sleep under a mosquito net if the room is not perfectly sealed and air-conditioned. If you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms within a year of visiting Zambia, you must seek medical attention immediately and inform the doctor of your travel history, as malaria can be fatal if not treated promptly, yet it is highly manageable if caught in the early stages.

People Also Ask

Zambia is rated Level 1 for security (exercise normal precautions) and has few major security concerns. Visitors can avoid criminal activity by utilizing common sense measures provided below. Political activity, especially during national and local elections, can lead to civil unrest and low-level violence.

MORE DETAILS

Four African countries accounted for just over half of all malaria deaths worldwide: Nigeria (31.3%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12.6%), United Republic of Tanzania (4.1%) and Niger (3.9%).

MORE DETAILS

The risk of Malaria is very high throughout the whole of Zambia. Because of the very high risk of malaria in Zambia, antimalarials are advised. Please remember to also follow the bite avoidance measures below. Please check HERE to see a malaria map of Zambia on fitfortravel (a NHS website).

MORE DETAILS

You should begin taking antimalarial tablets before arriving in a malaria-risk area as guided by your travel health professional. Some tablets need to start a few days before you travel, whilst others may need to be started a week or more before travel.

MORE DETAILS

Travel in major cities, as well as the major game parks is generally safe during daylight hours. However, serious crimes can and do occur. It is important to remain vigilant at all times and take sensible precautions.

MORE DETAILS

HIV is the leading cause of death in Zambia. Through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), CDC works with Zambia to build a sustainable, high-impact national HIV response to accelerate progress toward HIV epidemic control.

MORE DETAILS