Malaria alert: How to protect your health this festive season

Malaria season is here but there are ways you can stay safe this summer. As previously reported in The SouthAfrican, the government stated that the start of summer is the start of malaria season due to “higher temperatures and increased rainfall in the malaria transmission areas”. Malaria is a life-threatening disease, but it is extremely treatable and curable. When it comes to malaria, prevention and early detection are key to survival.

The Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale, as reported in IOL, stated that the government is increasing its malaria screening and testing around high-risk provinces due to the high number of cases. This should help prevent severe cases and death from the disease. Here are some tips to help you prevent serious illness this festive season.

How can you prevent malaria this summer?

Medical professionals are still working on a vaccination to prevent malaria. If you are travelling to high-risk areas, speak to your doctor about medications you can take to prevent serious illness from the disease. As stated in The World Health Organization (WHO) malaria guide, the disease can be prevented by using mosquito nets, coils, vaporises and repellents. Wear protective clothing, especially after sunset and use window screens. The Department of Health also suggests draining areas with stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

What are the symptoms of malaria?

According to WHO, the symptoms of malaria can be mild at first. Symptoms can become severe, especially for pregnant women, children under 5, and those living with HIV/AIDS. Mild symptoms begin within 10 days of being bitten and include fever, headaches and chills. Severe symptoms include extreme fatigue, convulsions, difficulty breathing, dark or bloody urine and jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin). Get tested if you experience symptoms as early treatment of malaria is key to preventing severe illness.

What to do if you think you have malaria?

It can be difficult to distinguish malaria from other diseases such as COVID, so getting tested is essential. If you experience mild or severe symptoms, it’s always best to visit your local clinic or doctor and let them know you’ve been exposed. The sooner you receive treatment, the faster you can recover. If you are put on treatment, you must complete your treatment to avoid complications.

Is malaria contagious?

Malaria cannot be spread by human-to-human contact. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assures people that malaria is not spread like the flu and having casual contact with malaria-infected people will not give you the disease.

Should you wish to contribute and assist in supporting The South African’s Women in Journalism programme, click HERE