High-Malaria-Risk Countries

Malaria has long been the most significant source of mosquito-borne illnesses worldwide. It is because of malaria that mosquitoes have been named the most dangerous animals alive! The highest-risk countries for malaria, based on 2022 WHO data, are in central Africa and include Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United Republic of Tanzania, and Niger. Oceania is also a high-risk region of the world. Parts of the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Americas all have areas with malaria cases too. Malaria in the US is not prevalent but not unheard of, and you may have seen recent news of cases in specific regions.

There are a few countries where malaria has become an epidemic, and you should be aware of safety while traveling.

How Does Malaria Spread?

Malaria spreads when a vector (i.e., a mosquito) transmits a specific Plasmodium parasite. Two of those parasites pose the greatest threat for Malaria: P. falciparum and P. vivax. An infected female Anopheles mosquito is the only species that can carry these two parasites. A mosquito becomes a carrier after feeding on an infected person and then transmitting the parasite to the next healthy person.

The P. falciparum parasite accounted for more than 99% of malaria cases in the past few years in the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, Southeast Asia, Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific. P. vivax is the predominant malaria parasite elsewhere, including the Americas.

So, is malaria contagious? No, not from person to person. But people who live near malaria patients are at high risk for contracting malaria if they are unvaccinated and exposed to nearby mosquitoes.

Where Is Malaria Most Common?

The Sub-Saharan African (SSA) region is home to 95% of malaria cases and 96% of malaria deaths, with the top 16 countries for malaria infections all being in the SSA. In 2021, Nigeria accounted for nearly 27% of malaria cases worldwide. The WHO’s malaria report is widely considered the most up-to-date “malaria map,” and the CDC also publishes helpful information about malaria locations and hopeful progress toward elimination. Keep in mind, even though malaria is most prevalent in SSA, there are several African countries with no malaria cases recorded recently, or with extremely low risk.

Statistics About Malaria in the US

In the United States, there are about 2,000 cases of malaria each year, which is a drop in the ocean compared to the estimated 200+ million cases and many deaths around the world. US malaria statistics include:

• There were seven Florida malaria cases in 2023, in Sarasota County, but no instances of malaria transmission were reported for the year since July 2023.
• There was one case of malaria in Texas in 2023, but no cases were reported for the year since July 2023.
• There was one Maryland malaria case in August 2023, and the CDC has been working to investigate this case and ensure public health and safety.

Where Did Malaria Originate?

Close relatives of modern malaria parasites have existed for millions of years and are thought to have originated in the eastern hemisphere in tropical climates. Ancient reports and evidence of malaria-like illnesses date back to earlier than 3000 B.C.

Malaria Prevention: Is There a Vaccine for Travel?

Preventing malaria while traveling is vitally important and quite simple. There are now two malaria vaccines called RTS,S/AS01 (2021) and R21/Matrix-M™ (2023), which are recommended for young children living in high-risk areas. If you are an adult about to travel to countries with a high risk of malaria—especially if you have health conditions that put you at higher risk for developing a severe malaria case—ask your physician for an antimalarial drug. The CDC recommends different malaria pills for travel to different regions; your doctor can provide more information.

Additionally, when you travel, use adequate vector controls (mosquito repellents) such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor residual misting. Check out our guide to keeping pests away while sleeping as well. If you have a permanent residence in an area where malaria cases are cropping up, consider scheduling routine outdoor mosquito barrier spray services as an extra preventative measure. Mosquito Squad’s experts are ready to protect your yard against mosquitoes anytime!

Recognizing Malaria Symptoms and Supporting the Global Fight

Most people experience malaria symptoms within 7 to 10 days of being bitten by a carrier mosquito. It is challenging to recognize malaria without proper diagnosis of an acute febrile illness. If the first symptoms—fever, headaches, and chills—are not treated within 24 hours, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness or even death. If you have any concerns, always consult a doctor. You can learn more about malaria symptoms and risk factors here. Finally, you can also help save lives by donating to Malaria No More or other global organizations working to fight this deadly disease.