Do we travel through areas affected with malaria?

Most parts of Vietnam have virtually no risk of malaria. City and resort areas, including Dalat, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang, present no risk. In the Central Highlands there is low risk of malaria. This concerns, for instance, areas and cities like Lak Lake, Buon Me Thuot, Pleiku and Kon Tum.

Vietnam Malaria Map by the NHS

Please click here for a map of the British National Health Services on Vietnamese areas afected by malaria.

What is malaria?

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by malaria parasites. Malaria mainly occurs in (sub)tropical countries, like Vietnam.

How can you get malaria?

Malaria parasites are transmitted by mosquitoes. The parasites enter the body through a mosquito bite. The parasites first multiply in the liver and then in the red blood cells. The disease is not contagious: malaria is not transmitted from human to human.

How do I reduce the chance of getting malaria in Vietnam?

Malaria mosquitoes sting mainly in the evening, at night, and in the early morning. As in other countries, wearing clothes with long sleeves and trouser legs reduces the risk of getting malaria in Vietnam. Mosquito repellents are also recommended, as is the use of a mosquito net. Check all precautions you can take.

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against malaria.