When you feel feverish, tired, and weak, one of the first illnesses to probably cross your mind may be malaria. Those are some typical symptoms of the illness. Many people already know what it feels like because malaria is quite a prevalent disease in Nigeria.
The malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is transmitted by the female anopheles mosquito, which is quite common in Nigeria.
Facts about malaria in Nigeria
Although malaria is a global concern, some countries contribute more to the burden than others. One of these countries is Nigeria.
Here are some facts about the state of malaria in the country
- Nigeria is a malaria-endemic country. About 76% of the country’s population is at high risk of getting the disease
- According to the World Health Organization, in 2019, Nigeria accounted for 23% of malaria deaths worldwide
- The 2019 World Malaria Report states that rural dwellers experience a malaria burden that is three times greater than what urban dwellers experience.
Preventive Measures for Malaria
Malaria is a deadly disease, but luckily it can be prevented. The key to controlling the spread of this deadly disease is eradicating the vector, the Anopheles mosquito.
Here are five tips for malaria prevention and achieving a safer and healthier environment:
- Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets
- Apply insecticides in your homes and mosquito repellent cream on your skin and clothes.
- Dress to cover your body parts and protect yourself from mosquito bites
- Get properly diagnosed and treated if you notice malaria symptoms.
- Maintain a clean environment to discourage the breeding of mosquitoes near you
Malaria, while deadly, is treatable and curable. Early diagnosis is important and time is of the essence. The earlier a person begins treatment, the lower the risk of complications that can result from malaria.
The goal of malaria treatment is to rid the bloodstream of the malaria parasite and prevent the disease from worsening. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the recommended treatment for the malaria parasite. It is quick acting and highly effective and reduces the possibility of the development of resistance by the parasite. Artemisinin-based compounds are combined with other drugs like piperaquine, sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine, mefloquine, amodiaquine chlorproguanil/dapsone and lumefantrine.
If you notice that you have symptoms of malaria, speak to a doctor on Doctall immediately.