Simple ways to protect your family from malaria

Malaria can become life-threatening when treatment is delayed. These simple steps help keep your household safe.

For many families in Nigeria, malaria is not an unfamiliar disease. It can affect young and old, and it can become life-threatening when treatment is delayed. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to protect your family from malaria.

To protect against malaria, we first need to understand how it spreads. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites and is mainly transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. This makes preventing mosquito bites an important part of malaria prevention.

1. Sleep under an insecticide-treated net

Make sure the net:

• Covers the entire sleeping area
• Does not have large holes
• Is properly tucked in or secured
• Is used consistently, especially at night

2. Reduce mosquitoes around your home

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, including water collected in:

• Buckets
• Old tyres
• Uncovered containers
• Flowerpots
• Drains

Keep your surroundings clean and practise good hygiene to reduce the number of mosquitoes.

3. Use appropriate mosquito protection

This includes:

• Window and door screens
• Protective clothing
• Appropriate mosquito repellents
• Properly maintained insecticide-treated nets

4. Pay special attention to children and pregnant women

Children and pregnant women are at greater risk of severe malaria. Families should follow recommended malaria prevention measures, and pregnant women should attend antenatal care, where appropriate preventive treatment can be provided.

5. Take note of symptoms

Symptoms of malaria include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Weakness
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or vomiting

However, if someone develops a fever or other concerning symptoms, seek medical care and testing rather than assuming it is malaria or treating it without proper evaluation.

6. Complete prescribed treatment

If you are being treated for malaria, follow the instructions given to you by a healthcare professional. Do not stop treatment simply because you begin to feel better.

Conclusion

You don’t need to wait for malaria to affect your household before taking prevention seriously. Using a mosquito net, keeping a clean environment, using mosquito repellent, testing early and getting the right treatment on time are small steps that can make a big difference in preventing malaria in the first place.