Anopheles dirus is the dominant malaria vector in the forests of Southeast Asia, and it is strongly associated with the forest ecosystem — rarely venturing into open or urban landscapes. This forest-edge habitat means malaria in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar is effectively a frontier disease.
It bites in the early evening, often outdoors near forest margins and in forest villages. This outdoor-biting behaviour limits the effectiveness of indoor residual spraying compared to Anopheles gambiae in Africa. Trekkers, forest workers, and people living at forest edges are the primary at-risk groups.
The species is also notable for high rates of drug resistance in the parasites it carries — the Thai-Myanmar border has been the origin of multiple multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains over the decades.
Early evening outdoor biter, active around sundown at forest margins. Will bite indoors but prefers outdoors. Feeds primarily on humans in forest villages.
Shaded forest pools, stream margins, and gem-mining pits in hilly forested terrain. Strongly tied to intact forest — declines sharply in deforested areas.
Forests of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and parts of southern China.
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Vector information is sourced from WHO, CDC, and ECDC. Not medical advice. Personal decisions on repellents, vaccinations, or medication belong with a qualified travel health professional.