Malaria Prevention (Prophylaxis)

Malaria is an infectious, tropical disease, widely found in Asia, Africa and America. The most common way of transmission is by a specific kind of mosquito known as Anopheles mosquito. Transmission of blood from affected person to the healthy one, through a mosquito bite, causes malaria. These parasites multiply in the red blood cells and the healthy person suffers from this disease. Malaria-causing parasites are Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale.

Symptoms of malaria are seen in the form of fever, chills, nausea, dizziness and joint pain. Besides these, anemia and tachycardia are also seen. Malaria, in its extreme case, can also result in coma or even death. Hence, it is extremely important for us to follow all measures to prevent this infectious disease.

How to Prevent Malaria

• In order to prevent this disease, protection from mosquito bites is very essential. If you are traveling to any place, get information beforehand, about whether malaria prevails in that area. If it does, it is best to avoid going there. If you are compelled to go, make sure that you follow all the necessary preventive measures. It is very strongly recommended for children, old people, as well as pregnant women to avoid visiting places where this infectious disease is prevalent, as they are more susceptible to it.
• Taking anti-malaria drugs, as advised by doctor, is very important. The type of drugs and its dosage, differ from person to person. It is necessary to take these drugs, if you are visiting rural areas. You must strictly follow the recommended schedule. Chloroquine, Mefloquine, Primaquine, Doxycycline, etc. are some of the medications for malaria. It is advisable to take these, only under medical supervision and recommendation. Sometimes, a person may get affected by malaria, even though he/she has taken the anti-malaria drugs. Therefore, seek medical help, in case any signs of the illness are noticed. It should be remembered that the initial symptoms are mild and thus, these should not be ignored.
• Fever is the most common symptom of malaria. Hence, if you suffer from fever, within a year of your return from any malaria-infected place, you must immediately take medical advice.
• Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant waters. Therefore, stagnant water must be immediately drained, to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. The containers used for storing water and water-coolers should also be cleaned regularly. Purification of water should be carried out. Stored drinking water should be checked and cleaned, so that mosquitoes do not breed in it.

Personal Protection

• Mosquitoes bite mostly in evening and night. In order to avoid mosquito bites, you should sleep in a room that has a gauze. There should not be any holes in the gauze, which may allow entry to mosquitoes. Use of air-conditioned rooms is suitable in mosquito infected areas.
• Adventure travelers and hikers are at a higher risk of contracting malaria. While sleeping outdoors, use of mosquito nets around your bed will prevent mosquito bite. The net should be made of a thin mesh and should not have any holes in it. It should be tucked under the bed-mattress. When not in use, it should be rolled up, to keep mosquitoes from entering in it. There are insecticide-treated nets available, that kill the mosquitoes when they enter the net. Many organizations distribute insecticide-treated nets in rural areas.
• Spray insecticides or mosquito repellents in the room, before you enter. This will help to kill the mosquitoes that may have entered the room during the day. It is observed that mosquitoes rest on walls to digest their meal. Therefore, if the walls are sprayed with insecticides, the mosquitoes will die before they bite a healthy person. IRS (Indoor Residual Spraying), like DDT, are found to be very useful.
• You can even use mosquito repellent creams. It is advisable to read the instructions and manufacturer's recommendations before use. You must be very cautious, while using it on children. Reactions or rashes may develop, if the cream does not suit them.
• Wear full-sleeved dresses or long pants can be useful, if you will be outdoors after sunset. It will help reduce mosquito bites. It is even observed that mosquitoes are attracted to dark-colored clothes. Hence, wear light-colored clothes. Thick socks and shoes are also recommended. It may be difficult to follow this in hot climatic regions. Nevertheless, one should try as it is a useful, preventive measure.

Malaria, once diagnosed, can be treated effectively in its early stages. Delay in treatment can result in serious and fatal consequences. Undertaking blood test will confirm, whether you suffer from this disease or not. Medical treatment should be started immediately, if the disease is diagnosed. The effectiveness of the drugs should be monitored regularly.

All over the world, it has been observed that educating masses has remarkably reduced the number of victims. Various campaigns are undertaken to create awareness among people about the dangers of this disease. Programs for development of malaria vaccination are currently being undertaken. Malaria is most commonly seen in poverty-stricken areas, where people are not aware about the disease. Maintaining hygiene and sanitation is very essential to prevent this condition. Therefore, one must realize the dangers of malaria and take precautions against the disease.