What is Malaria?
Malaria is a serious disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is spread to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It affects the blood and liver, causing symptoms like fever, chills, sweating, headaches, and fatigue. If untreated, it can be life-threatening, especially in children and pregnant women.
Measures to Prevent the Spread of Malaria:
Use of Mosquito Nets:
Sleeping under insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) helps protect people from mosquito bites, especially at night when mosquitoes are most active.
Spraying the indoor Residual Spraying (IRS):
Inside walls of homes with insecticides kills mosquitoes that rest indoors.
Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites:
Emptying or covering containers that hold water (like buckets, tires, or pots) reduces mosquito breeding.
Proper drainage and waste disposal also help prevent standing water.
Use of Mosquito Repellents:
Applying mosquito repellent cream or spray on exposed skin can reduce bites.
Wearing long-sleeved clothing, especially in the evening, also helps.
Antimalarial Medication:
In some areas, people take preventive medicines (chemoprophylaxis) before and during travel to malaria-prone regions.
Pregnant women and young children may also receive preventive treatment in high-risk areas.
Public Awareness and Education:
Teaching people about malaria symptoms, prevention methods, and when to seek medical help can reduce cases.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment:
Quick testing and proper treatment with antimalarial drugs stop the disease from spreading and becoming severe.
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