This post written with the consultation of Dr Felicity Nicholson

Malaria

Along with road accidents, malaria poses another threat to the health of travellers in south Asia. It is unwise to travel in malarial parts of Bangladesh whilst pregnant or with children: the risk of malaria in many parts is considerable and these travellers are likely to succumb rapidly to the disease.

Malaria in Bangladesh

The Anopheles mosquito that transmits the parasite is most commonly found in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. All other regions of the country are considered low-risk malaria areas, and there is no malaria in Dhaka. When visiting the CHT outside the main towns (Khagrachari, Bandarban or Rangamati), antimalarial drugs are definitely advised. If at all uncertain, however, visitors should err on the side of caution and take prophylaxis medication well before their visit to the CHT. Doxycycline is widely available and inexpensive as well.