In Nigeria, malaria is the most common illness. It is so common, that we sometimes take it for granted. But we shouldn’t. Malaria is a serious disease. We contract malaria when we are bitten by a mosquito infected by tiny parasites. When it bites, the mosquito injects malaria parasites into your bloodstream.
If it isn’t treated, malaria can cause severe health problems such as seizures, brain damage, trouble breathing, organ failure and death. Signs and symptoms of Malaria are fever and sweating, headache, fatigue, chest pain, cough and diarrhoea. Malaria symptoms usually appear 10 days to one month after the person was infected. Depending on the type of parasite, symptoms can be mild.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
The following are the best ways to protect yourself and your home:
Dump Out Any Standing Water Near Your Home
Mosquitoes can breed in just 14 days in a small amount of water settled around your home. Water as little as 40 ml, is left stagnating in anything or placed inside and outside homes, it can serve as a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes which transmit viruses causing dengue, malaria, and other life-threatening vector-borne diseases
Keep Mosquitoes Outside
Ensure that mosquitoes do not enter your house. Keep doors and windows shut. If you have window and door nets check them regularly for holes where mosquitoes can come in from.
Use Mosquito Net
Mosquito nets are a great method of protection for you and your children from directly getting bit by harmful insects. All Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) contain pyrethroids – the only group of insecticides recommended by the World Health Organization for use on mosquito nets. Pyrethroids are widely used in public health because of their safety for humans and their ability to kill mosquitoes at low doses on contact. Your mosquito net should be free of any holes or tears. If possible get it from a medical facility. Don’t buy from commercial shops. When you use it, make sure it is tucked under the mattress.
See a Doctor When You Feel Sick
Avoid Self-Medication. Whenever you feel Malaria symptoms, consult a doctor and get tested before you take drugs. Do not buy medicine over the counter without seeing a professional.
