One of the most important health concerns for travelers to Cambodia is the risk of malaria.
While not every area in Cambodia is high-risk, malaria can still be a serious concern, especially in rural and forested regions.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about malaria risk in Cambodia, how to prevent it, and what steps you can take to ensure a safe trip.
Is the Risk of Malaria Worth Worrying About?
This disease is most commonly transmitted in rural areas and regions near the borders with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
Remember to keep the following in mind:
- Forested areas and provinces like Preah Vihear, Mondulkiri, and Ratanakiri are known to have a higher risk. But even if you’re traveling to less rural areas, it’s important to take precautions.
- Mosquitoes that carry malaria can be found throughout the country, especially during the rainy season (May to October), when mosquito populations are at their peak.
- If you’re sticking to urban areas like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap (the gateway to Angkor Wat), the risk of malaria is lower. But it’s not zero.
So, what should you do? Do you need to take malaria medications, or are preventative measures like insect repellent and mosquito nets enough?
Doctors and health experts recommend the following steps to prepare:
1. Consult a Doctor About Anti-Malarial Medication
Before heading to Cambodia, consult a doctor or travel clinic about whether you should take anti-malarial medication.
- The need for medication depends on where you’re going in Cambodia and the time of year.
- Most doctors recommend malaria prophylaxis (preventive medication) for travelers going to high-risk areas, particularly the rural and forested regions.
- One of the most popular medications is Malarone, which is often recommended for short trips because it’s highly effective with fewer side effects.
Get Anti-Malaria Prescription Online ➜
You can get your anti-malarial prescription online, with fast delivery to your door. This is especially helpful if you want to skip in-person clinic visits.
2. Use Insect Repellent to Minimize Mosquito Bites
Using insect repellent is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself from malaria. Repellents containing DEET (20-50%) or picaridin are widely recommended. These products are great for warding off mosquitoes, but you’ve got to use them right to be fully effective.
Apply the repellent to all exposed skin, especially during peak mosquito hours—dawn and dusk. Don’t forget to reapply after sweating or swimming. And yes, it works over clothing too.
It may sound simple, but applying repellent consistently could be the difference between staying malaria-free and getting sick on your trip.
3. Sleep Under a Mosquito Net
If you’re in a high-risk area – one of the best ways to avoid malaria while sleeping is by using a mosquito net.
Treated mosquito nets (with insecticide) are the gold standard for keeping mosquitoes away while you rest. If you’re staying in more basic accommodations, especially in rural or high-risk areas, make sure your net is properly set up and doesn’t have any holes.
Tuck the net securely under your mattress and ensure it’s covering the entire sleeping area. This will help prevent any mosquitoes from sneaking in while you’re asleep. If you’re planning a more rustic adventure, consider packing your own mosquito net for added protection.
4. Choose Accommodations Wisely
Your choice of accommodation can play a big role in reducing malaria risk:
- Hotels and guesthouses in urban areas like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap are usually well-screened or have air conditioning.
- This can significantly reduce the presence of mosquitoes.
- However, in rural areas, you may encounter more basic lodging options, where screens and air conditioning aren’t always guaranteed.
If you’re staying in areas where malaria risk is high, try to book places with well-sealed windows and doors. It’s also helpful to stay in accommodations with mosquito nets and fans, which can further reduce mosquito activity. The cool air from a fan can deter mosquitoes from getting too close, as they prefer warmer, still environments.
5. Wear Protective Clothing
Another simple but effective precaution is wearing the right clothing. When you’re outdoors, particularly in the morning and evening, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Light-colored clothing is recommended because mosquitoes are more attracted to darker colors.
For extra protection, you can treat your clothes with permethrin, an insecticide that’s safe for fabrics but deadly to mosquitoes. Treated clothing can provide an additional layer of defense when you’re spending time in higher-risk areas like forests or rural regions.
6. Stay Alert in High-Risk Environments
Certain environments in Cambodia are more prone to malaria transmission. Areas with standing water (like rice paddies, ponds, and slow-moving rivers) are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Dense forested regions also tend to harbor more mosquitoes due to the natural vegetation and humid conditions.
If you’re planning to trek through the jungle or visit rural villages, be extra cautious. Apply repellent generously and wear protective clothing. If possible, avoid being outside during peak mosquito activity times.
7. Understand the Rainy Season’s Impact on Mosquito Activity
Cambodia’s rainy season runs from May to October, and this is when mosquito populations are at their highest. The increased rainfall creates more breeding grounds for mosquitoes, particularly in rural areas. So if you’re visiting during this time, you’ll need to be extra vigilant with your malaria prevention strategies.
That doesn’t mean you can’t visit Cambodia during the rainy season—just that you’ll need to take more precautions. Insect repellent, mosquito nets, and protective clothing become even more important when mosquitoes are most active.
8. Hydrate and Stay Healthy
While this might seem unrelated to malaria prevention, keeping your body healthy and hydrated can help you fight off illnesses in general (according to SUNY Upstate Medical University).
Malaria symptoms can be worsened by dehydration and fatigue, so it’s important to keep your energy up and stay well-hydrated, especially in Cambodia’s hot and humid climate.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you and be sure to drink safe, clean water. Dehydration is common for travelers in tropical climates, and you don’t want to compound the risk of illness by neglecting this basic step.
9. Know When to Seek Medical Help
Recognizing the symptoms of malaria early is key to getting proper treatment. Symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Headache and nausea
- Aches around the body
They often start a week or more after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
If you start experiencing any of these symptoms while in Cambodia, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Malaria can escalate quickly, and early diagnosis and treatment are critical to avoid severe complications. Let your doctor know about your recent travel history and any mosquito exposures.
Final Thoughts
When planning your trip to Cambodia, malaria is definitely something you shouldn’t ignore.
With the right precautions, you can significantly lower your risk and focus on enjoying everything this incredible country has to offer.
If you’re in need of anti-malarial medication, Runway Health offers a quick and easy online prescription service that can have your medication delivered directly to your home. It’s a convenient option that can help you avoid the hassle of in-person doctor visits.
