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Mozzwise Briefing

Laos
Overall Risk: Low

Laos has a distinct wet season from May through October when mosquito activity peaks sharply. The Mekong River valley, forested border areas, and lowland provinces carry the highest risk. Higher-altitude areas and Vientiane city center have somewhat lower exposure.

Dengue fever is the primary concern, with outbreaks concentrated in the rainy season. Malaria (P. falciparum and P. vivax) persists in southern forested provinces and border areas. Chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis are also present.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus transmit dengue during the day in urban and suburban settings. Anopheles species carry malaria in rural and forested zones, biting predominantly at night.

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
Recommended Protection

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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 Laos | Mozzwise