In most areas reporting malaria cases, the disease is endemic. Localized outbreaks or malaria epidemics can occur due to climate, flooding, population movement, and related factors, such as the spread of invasive vectors (An. Stephensi). Malaria epidemics have been reported in northern Nigeria, Senegal, Zanzibar, and Uganda. Go to footnote 1, Go to footnote 2, Go to footnote 3, Go to footnote 4, Go to footnote 5
The major malaria vector species and the parasite require specific climatic conditions and temperature ranges that are typically found in tropical regions; even though shifts in climate may alter the geographic areas suitable for transmission.
- Go back to footnote reference 1
World Health Organization (2025). World malaria report 2025: addressing the threat of antimalarial drug resistance. Geneva: World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240117822, accessed 13 May 2026).
- Go back to footnote reference 2
Boyce R, Reyes R, Matte M, Ntaro M, Mulogo E et al. Severe flooding and malaria transmission in the western Ugandan highlands: implications for disease control in an era of global climate change. J Infect Dis. 2016;214(9):1403–1410. doi:10.1093/infdis/jiw363.
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Kooiman F, Ali MH, Alifrangis M, Shija SJ, Hassan WS et al. The November-2023–March-2024 malaria epidemic in Zanzibar: a spatiotemporal epidemiological analysis. Malar J. 2025;24(1):354. doi:10.1186/s12936-025-05507-2.
- Go back to footnote reference 4
Tola DE, Tesfaye AH, Solbana LK, Nagari SL, Bayissa ZB et al. Attack rate and determinants of malaria outbreak in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Epidemiol Glob Health. 2025;33:102045. doi:10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102045.
- Go back to footnote reference 5
World Health Organization (2025). Malaria control in emergencies: field manual. Geneva: World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240112834 , accessed 13 May 2026).
