Malaria is caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The plasmodium falciparum is the parasite that causes malaria and reports about 200 million worldwide cases every year; this includes about 584,000 deaths, mainly among children under five years old in sub-Saharan Africa.
Early symptoms of Malaria are fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Malaria is a common and life-threatening disease if left untreated. Taking precautions to keep mosquito bites to a minimum also helps prevent malaria.
We look forward to a Malaria free society and while we’re at that we thought to share some preventive measures, after all even the age long and well known saying goes ‘prevention is better than cure’! Below are 5 ways on how best to prevent malaria:
- Wear protective clothing (long pants and long-sleeved shirts).
By covering up nicely, you reduce your chances of getting bit by a mosquito. It is also advisable to stay in cooler areas. Keep the air conditioning on, as mosquitoes tend to stay out of cool, air-conditioned rooms.  Also stay away from any stagnant water as it’s a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Stagnant water sources such as lakes, blocked drainages or gutter etc.
- Take anti-malarial drugs periodically
If you live in a more malaria prone area, or have been exposed to bites from mosquitoes you are more likely to get malaria, hence you should take the drugs periodically say once a quarter. It is important you follow the instructions they come with.
- Use a mosquito net.
Mosquito nets are lightweight, nets that offer protection against mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. In other words, they ensure mosquitoes are out of your bed at any time in use. Check that the net is not torn and always ensure it is properly tucked underneath your mattress. Buy mosquito nets treated with permethrin for the best protection. In case you didn’t know CHI Pharmaceuticals Limited was the first company in West Africa to design and launch insecticide treated nets in conjunction with UNICEF & USAID. Find out more HERE!
If you’re not accustomed to using nets you can use insecticide spray which brings us to our third tip on how to prevent malaria
- Use insecticide spray
An insecticide is a formulated substance used to kill insects. Ensure you purchase insecticide brands that provide fast killing power against flying and crawling insects found in and around the household. It’s really easy to use this, you only need to close your windows and spray the room or space being used. Remember to spray all the corners of the room, under the beds, and any other hidden space within as these mosquitoes can hide in such spaced. Make sure to leave the space as soon as you’re done spraying, continued stay in such environment might have adverse effects directly on human health gradually.
- Boost your immune system
A body that is rich in vitamins and disease fighting cells is less likely to get malaria even after a bite from an infected mosquito carrying the parasite. Boost your immune system by regularly taking fruits and vegetables, multivitamins and so on. Taking oranges or other source of vitamin C is also helpful.
*In summary we can all learn from this ABCD of Malaria protection according to World Health Organisation,
Be Aware of the risk, the incubation period, the possibility of delayed onset, and the main symptoms.
Avoid being Bitten by mosquitoes, especially between dusk and dawn.
Take anti malarial drugs (Chemoprophylaxis) when appropriate, at regular intervals to prevent acute malaria attacks.
Immediately seek Diagnosis and treatment if a fever develops 1 week or more after entering an area where there is a malaria risk and up to 3 months (or, rarely, later) after departure from a risk area.
If you’re ever down with Malaria, or know someone sick as a result of Malaria we recommend using Comal- Forte Anti –Malaria for effective treatment, more details HERE.