Risk of malaria in Indonesia occurs almost anywhere beyond large cities.
Anopheline mosquitoes avoid cities. Risk occurs in most rural areas, especially in eastern Indonesia. Several years ago I spent one night in Papua and passed on drugs for protection -- a week later I had falciparum malaria.
Even brief travel to almost anywhere in eastern Indonesia should be considered risky and drugs should be prescribed and taken.
The rest of Indonesia tends to be of low to moderate risk. Malaria occurs in Java as well, especially along the southern coast, including Ujung Kulong. Malaria on Bali rarely occurs, but it is relatively common on Lombok.
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Malaria kills. It is common in Indonesia. The best individual protection is awareness of and respect for malaria -- leading to disciplined protection and seeking medical attention when malaria seems possible.
The best protection for communities and worksites is systematic biodiligence aimed at anopheline mosquitoes.
(J Kevin Baird)
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