So its World Malaria Day and in this day Festac Online is dishing out some Malaria Preventive Tips as we join to raise awareness on this deadly disease.
As we know malaria claims thousands of lives every year . Malaria is one of the most deadliest disease which continues to claim thousand of lives. Estimates suggest that globally 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk from malaria.
So as Festac Town and Amuwo Odofin residents are prone to this disease , here are 6 Malaria Preventive Tips you should know and act on .
Malaria is caused by a bite from a mosquito infected with parasites. In very rare cases, people can get malaria if they come into contact with infected blood. A developing fetus may get the disease from its mother.
You can easily prevent the spread and transmission of Malaria . See tips below.
Festac Online Malaria Preventive Tips
Malaria Preventive Tip #1 Awareness
It is very important for individuals around you and yourself to know about the cause , ways it can be transmitted and of course ways to prevent this disease.
The mosquitoes which transmit malaria commonly fly from dusk to dawn and therefore evenings and nights are the most dangerous time for transmission.
Malaria Preventive Tip #2 Night Protection
It is know that Mosquitoes are generally more active at night. Ensure you protect yourself and family .
Malaria Preventive Tip #3 Bite Prevention
Insect repellents , Mosquito Nets are effective means of preventing malaria bite. Insect repellents come in handy as you can apply to clothing and exposed skin.
If you sleep outdoors or in an unscreened room, you should use mosquito nets impregnated with an insecticide (such as pyrethroid).
The net should be long enough to fall to the floor all round your bed and be tucked under the mattress. Check the net regularly for holes.
The Mosquito Nets need to be re-impregnated with insecticide every six to twelve months (depending on how frequently the net is washed) to remain effective.
There are now Long-lasting nets, in which the pyrethroid is incorporated into the material of the net itself, and can last up to five years.
These Insecticide-treated nets work to create barrier against deadly malaria-carrying mosquitoes that typically bite at night.
Also another way of preventing Mosquitoes is sleeping in air-conditioned room as it reduces the likelihood of mosquito bites, due to the room temperature being lowered.
Malaria Preventive Tip #4 Anti-Malaria
Very common way of preventing malaria . It is advised that you are sure of the drug being used as there are fake’s around.
It is therefore recommended that you obtain your antimalarial treatment from your doctor’s or pharmacist.
If malaria is contracted, early treatment with anti-malaria drugs, such as Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) can effectively cure malaria. However, ACTs are often hard to find in remote areas.
Malaria Preventive Tip #5 Know The symptoms
These symptoms may take a week or more to develop after you have been bitten by a mosquito.
High temperature (fever).
Shivers.
Sweating.
Backache.
Joint pains.
Headache
Being sick (vomiting).
Diarrhoea.
Sometimes, being unable to think/speak clearly because of fever or mental confusion (delirium).
Malaria Preventive Tip #6
Applying insecticide to the inside walls of individual homes. Mosquitoes that land on treated walls are killed, preventing the transmission of malaria.
Malaria Preventive Tip #7
Ensure the drainage system around your surroundings is clean. Make a good water drainage system as stagnant water is a breeding spot for mosquitoes. Also clear bushy areas around your house.#
Malaria Preventive Tip #8 Keep doors and windows closed.
If possible, you should keep doors and windows tightly sealed while you’re indoors. People who sleep outside or are exposed to the outdoors at night are at much higher risk of contracting malaria.
You may not be able to close the doors and windows if you’re in a very hot, muggy place. Whether you can or not, use a mosquito net over your bed for added protection.
Be aware that no preventive measures are 100% effective, so always seek medical attention immediately if you develop a fever
Malaria Campaign, raising awareness on World Malaria Day.
#WorldMalariaDay #endmalaria #Let’s Kick Malaria Out!!