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Mozzwise Briefing

El Salvador
Overall Risk: Low

El Salvador has peak mosquito activity during the rainy season from May through October. The Pacific lowlands and urban areas carry the highest dengue burden. As a relatively small and densely populated country, risk is fairly uniform across lowland areas.

Dengue fever is the primary concern, with periodic large outbreaks. Malaria (P. vivax) has been nearly eliminated, with very few cases reported in recent years. Zika has caused outbreaks. El Salvador is one of the first Central American countries approaching malaria elimination.

Aedes aegypti is the dominant vector, thriving in the urban environment. Aedes albopictus is also present. Culex species are common nuisance biters, particularly in urban areas with poor sanitation.

Precautions

Use DEET (20%+) or Picaridin-based repellent on exposed skin
Wear light-colored, long-sleeve clothing at dawn and dusk
Sleep under a permethrin-treated mosquito net if no air conditioning
Eliminate standing water near your accommodation
Keep windows and doors closed or screened
Consider antimalarial prophylaxis if malaria is present — consult your doctor
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Disease presence data is sourced from WHO, CDC, ECDC, and OpenDengue. This is not medical advice — consult a travel health professional before your trip.

Mosquito Risk in El Salvador | Mozzwise