10 Ways to Prevent Malaria in Nigeria

10 Ways to Prevent Malaria in Nigeria

Malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in Nigeria, with over 90% of the population at risk of contracting the disease. While malaria is preventable and treatable, it continues to pose a significant public health challenge. By following some key preventive measures, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting malaria and help control its spread. Here are 10 effective ways to prevent malaria in Nigeria:

1. Sleep Under Insecticide-Treated Nets

Sleeping under an insecticide-treated net is one of the most effective ways to prevent malaria. The nets work by creating a protective barrier against mosquito bites while you sleep. Make sure to properly hang your net, tuck it under the mattress, and check regularly for holes. ITNs should be re-treated with insecticide every 6–12 months. Pregnant women and children under 5 should be prioritized for net use.

2. Use Indoor Residual Spraying

Indoor residual spraying involves coating the inside walls of homes with insecticide. It kills mosquitoes that land and rest on these surfaces. IRS should be applied by trained personnel before the start of the rainy season when malaria transmission is highest. The insecticide remains effective for 3–6 months, depending on the surface. The IRS helps reduce the number of mosquitoes indoors and protects those who do not use nets.

3. Apply Insect Repellent

Topical insect repellents help keep mosquitoes from biting you. Products containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or the oil of lemon eucalyptus can be applied to exposed skin or clothing. Reapply mosquito repellent every few hours for continued protection. Use permethrin to treat clothing and gear for longer-lasting defense against mosquitoes. Avoid applying repellents under clothing and on cuts or irritated skin.

4. Take Antimalarial Medication

Antimalarial drugs can prevent malaria infections and reduce symptoms. They are especially recommended for travelers visiting high-risk regions. Chloroquine, mefloquine, doxycycline and atovaquone-proguanil are common options. It’s important to take the medication exactly as prescribed, starting before travel, continuing during, and finishing after you leave the malaria area. Consult a doctor on the appropriate antimalarial based on your destination.

5. Wear Protective Clothing

Covering up can deter mosquito bites. Wear loose, long-sleeved tops and full-length pants, especially in the evenings and early mornings when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light-colored as mosquitoes tend to be attracted to dark colors. Treat clothes with permethrin for extra protection. Avoid perfumes and scented products that attract mosquitoes.

6. Use Mosquito Coils and Vaporizers

Burning mosquito coils creates smoke that repels and kills mosquitoes. For indoor use, mosquito coils can provide some protection at night. Vaporizer mats that diffuse natural mosquito repellents, like citronella oil, also help reduce mosquitoes indoors. Position coils and vaporizers close to sleeping areas for maximum impact. However, they should not replace core preventive measures like ITNs and IRS.

7. Install Screened Windows and Doors

Put screens on windows, doors, and other openings like air vents. Screens form a barrier to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes. Check for and repair any holes or gaps where mosquitoes could still get through. Make sure the screens are intact and properly installed. Keep doors and windows closed in the evenings to reduce access for mosquitoes. Air conditioning also limits mosquito house entry.

8. Remove Mosquito Breeding Sites

Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Eliminate potential breeding grounds to reduce their populations. Get rid of containers that hold water, like old tires, buckets, plastic bags, and flower pots. Regularly change the water in animal drinking troughs, plant pots, and other necessary reservoirs. Keep drains, ditches, and gutters clear of blockages where rainwater can collect and stagnate. Introducing larvicide also hampers mosquito breeding.

9. Support Larval Source Management

Larval source management targets mosquitoes in their immature stage before they become flying and biting adults. It involves techniques like draining swamps, applying larvicide to standing water, introducing fish that eat larvae, and cleaning water storage containers. By reducing the larval population, fewer adult mosquitoes emerge to transmit malaria. LSM requires a cycle of assessment, application, and evaluation.

10. Seek Prompt Treatment

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria reduces disease severity and prevents onward transmission. If you develop symptoms like fever, chills, headaches, body aches, nausea, or vomiting, get tested immediately. Malaria is confirmed by a blood test. Adhere to the full malaria treatment regimen even after feeling better. Alert community health workers of positive cases to trigger responsive action like indoor spraying.

To Recap

Malaria exerts a heavy toll in Nigeria, leading to widespread illness, death, and economic loss. However, malaria is preventable and curable using proven vector control, chemoprevention, and case management measures. Concerted malaria control efforts have succeeded in reducing Nigeria’s malaria burden over the past decade. However continued high-level commitment is needed to sustain the gains made and accelerate progress.

A multipronged approach is key. Expanding access to ITNs, IRS, diagnostic testing, and ACTs will enable Nigeria to significantly lower malaria morbidity and mortality. Individuals also have an important role to play through measures like proper net use, wearing repellent, eliminating breeding sites, and seeking prompt care. With collaborative action across all levels, Nigeria can envision a future free of malaria.

The article provides a comprehensive overview of practical ways for Nigerians to protect themselves from malaria through both personal and community-based interventions. It emphasizes tried and tested prevention tools like nets, indoor spraying, and antimalarials while also noting the promise of emerging innovations such as vaccines. The article further equips readers to avoid malaria risks and recognize symptoms through an informative FAQ section. It concludes by underscoring that malaria elimination is within reach if impactful control strategies are fully implemented across Nigeria.

FAQs About Preventing Malaria in Nigeria

1. What is the best mosquito repellent for preventing malaria?

The most effective mosquito repellents against malaria-carrying mosquitoes contain DEET or picaridin. DEET concentrations above 20% provide long-lasting protection. Natural options like lemon eucalyptus oil also work but may require more frequent reapplication. Avoid products with less than 10% DEET.

2. How can I protect children from malaria?

Key interventions to protect children include sleeping under ITNs, wearing repellent, taking preventive medication if traveling, and dressing in lightweight, protective clothing. Ensure children under 5 adhere to RDT testing and antimalarial treatment. Monitor them closely and get medical help promptly if malaria symptoms appear.

3. What are the 5 signs and symptoms of malaria?

The main symptoms of malaria are fever, chills, sweating, headaches, body aches, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin 8–25 days after the infection. In severe cases, malaria can cause anemia, respiratory distress, neurological problems, and kidney and liver failure. Children in high-transmission areas may exhibit immunity with few symptoms.

4. Can malaria be cured completely?

Yes, malaria can be cured completely with effective case management, including prompt diagnosis, appropriate antimalarial treatment, and management of any complications. Adherence to the full treatment course is important even after feeling better, to clear all parasites from the body. Patients should return for follow-up testing to confirm the cure.

5. How long does it take to recover from malaria?

With prompt and proper treatment, most non-severe malaria cases recover within a week or two. More complicated cases may take 4-6 weeks for full recovery. Taking preventive medication afterward helps avoid a recurrence. Recovery also depends on the individual’s immunity and response to treatment. Rest and nutrition aid in the healing process.

6. Is malaria vaccine available in Nigeria?

A malaria vaccine known as RTS is being piloted in parts of Nigeria. RTS-S is the first vaccine to help protect against P. falciparum malaria. Clinical trials found it prevented around 4 in 10 malaria cases. RTS-S is given to children under 5 in 3 doses. Widespread availability in Nigeria is still a few years away. Other vaccines are under development.

7. How often should nets be retreated with insecticide?

Insecticide-treated nets should be re-treated with insecticide every 6 to 12 months according to manufacturer recommendations. Retreatment extends the protective lifespan of the net. Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are factory-treated to remain effective without retreatment for 3 years or more under field conditions.

8. Can malaria be transmitted from person to person?

Malaria cannot be transmitted directly from person to person like a cold or flu. The Plasmodium parasite that causes malaria is spread between people by female Anopheles mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites someone, they inject malaria parasites which travel to the liver and infect red blood cells.

9. Is malaria present all year round in Nigeria?

Malaria transmission occurs year-round in Nigeria but is more intense during the rainy season from April to October. Rain provides ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes boosting their numbers. Hotter temperatures also speed up the growth of malaria parasites within mosquitoes increasing transmission efficiency. Malaria cases typically peak just after the rainy season.

10. Can tourists get malaria medication before travelling to Nigeria?

Yes, anti-malarial medication is recommended for travelers visiting Nigeria. The type of medication depends on the area within Nigeria. Chloroquine can be used in the north while atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine works in the south where resistance is higher. Start medication 1-2 weeks before entering Nigeria, take daily doses during travel, and continue for 4 weeks after leaving.