Is Malaria a risk in the Bolivian Amazon?
There is, yes, a moderate risk of malaria in the Bolivian Amazon, especially around rural zones and lower altitudes like the Pando and Beni departments. Travellers should really be advised to talk to a healthcare professional about antimalarial medication before their departure, so they can be sure what to take and when.
And the danger level is not the same everywhere; it depends on the exact area and the season. It tends to rise during the wet months when mosquito numbers grow quickly. For that reason, preventative actions such as long-sleeved garments, sleeping with treated mosquito nets, and using strong insect repellents matter a lot to limit contact with bites.
