Malaria in Myanmar: Kayin State

13 Apr 2023

Malaria cases in Kayin State, eastern Myanmar have increased by more than 1,000% since 2020. In 2022, there were 32,000 cases in the state.

In January 2023 there were 4,510 cases, which suggests this year may see further increases. 

Advice for Travellers

Malaria is a potentially serious infection that is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites.

If you are travelling to Myanmar, you should:

• understand your risk of malaria, given the current increase in cases
• know how to protect yourself against mosquito bites during your trip
• talk to a travel health professional to find out if you may need to take tablets to prevent malaria (antimalarials) during your trip

Also, if you are visiting Kayin State where there is high risk of malaria:

• tablets to prevent malaria are recommended and you should make an appointment with a travel health professional

If you develop a high temperature (fever) during your trip, or if you have recently returned from a country where malaria is a risk, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and tell the doctor about your recent travel history.

See the fitfortravel malaria section and Myanmar country page for further information.