As the rainy season approaches gradually, Nigerians are happy since it will bring relief from the intense heat by introducing a cool climate. However, it also invites a lot of health hazards, one of such diseases associated with the rainy season is Malaria.
You may ask, how is this possible?
This is as a result of heavy downpour which leaves an after effect of water stagnation. Water stagnation occurs when water stops flowing which can subsequently become a breeding ground for mosquitoes that transmits malaria.
We all need to get prepared for the rainy season because most of our environment in Nigeria is surrounded by stagnant water which can expose us to mosquito bites.
What is Malaria?
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Malaria is a life threatening mosquito - borne - blood disease transmitted to humans through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito which infects the body with a plasmodium parasite.
It is very common in Nigeria, people treat malaria regularly. "Each year, over one million people die from malaria and more than 40 percent of the world's population lives in malaria - risks - areas".
Diagnosis and Tests
Common symptoms of malaria include - fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain and weakness.
Anyone showing signs of the above symptoms should be tested immediately for confirmation of the parasite through "Microscopic Laboratory Testing (MLT) or by a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT)" depending on the facilities available.
It is essential to to seek medical attention for suspected symptoms of malaria as early as possible.
Medication
Anti Malaria medication as prescribed by a doctor or a pharmacist.
Prevention
Use of mosquito nets, insect repellent, mosquito control measures - spraying insecticide and draining stagnant water.
Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN)
I have always hated the thought of sleeping under an ITN because I cannot stand the heat or the thought of being trapped which it makes me feel especially when I have to urinate at night - it can be very inconveniencing. I have never slept under an ITN until July 2017 and since then I can proudly say that I have not taken any anti malaria drugs neither have I become infected by the parasite.
My Advise
In preparation for the rainy season, I strongly advise all to use Insecticide Treated Nets because it helps keep mosquitoes away and reduce infection rates and transmission of malaria.
The ITN is mostly effective when used from dusk to dawn. It is recommended to hang a large bed net above the center of a bed and either tuck the edges under the mattress or make sure that it is large enough to such that it touches the ground.
Malaria Kills
"In 2016, there were 216,000,000 malaria cases that led to 440,00 deaths, of these about 70 percent were children under 5 years of age."
"In 2000, 1,700,000 African Children living in areas of the world where malaria is common were protected by an ITN."
You too can be protected by an ITN.
Join the fight against malaria today - use an Insecticide Treated Net (ITN) today.