How high it the risk of getting malaria in Lilongwe

Member since 19 January 2019

BayreutherMember19 January 2019 22:38:18

Hello Forum,

I read that there is a country wide risk of getting malaria. Now I want to know how common malaria is in Lilongwe since I will spend there most of the time. Since I do not want to take the malaria pills for the whole 6 months stay I would prefer in spraying myself with DEET and sleeping under a net. Is that sufficient?

@ Long time expats: What precautions do you take against malaria? What can you buy in Lilongwe and what should better bring with you?

Best regards and thanks for your help!

Alex

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Bayreuther Member

Member since 19 January 2019

BayreutherMember22 January 2019 11:02:56

I would really appreciate if someone could give me a short answer on this topic since I will go to Malawi next week.

Best regards

Alex

gbrough Member

Member since 23 January 2019

gbroughMember23 January 2019 08:32:52

My advice would be to take the antimalarials. Many people who are here longer than 6 months take them.

The risk is country-wide and higher during the rainy season - which you are arriving into. Yes, risks are probably higher in lake-side areas but it's really not worth taking a chance.

You can minimise your risk of getting bitten, but that will never rule it out entirely for a 6-month stay. DEET and nets are a good start, long sleeves, and trousers in the evening, getting your house sprayed and fans/aircon will help too.

You may want to bring your own mosquito net. Prices can get hiked up in the chain stores and at least you know you have one. We brought plenty of bug spray with us and haven't had to try to find any yet.

We also brought a year's supply of antimalarials for our entire family to do us through to our next visit home.