How to Stop the Spread of Malaria

Malaria is a mosquito borne disease that is caused by the infection of the parasite of plasmodium genus. Maximum number of malaria cases are reported from tropical and sub-tropical areas such as Africa, Sub-Saharan, Asia and America. When the malaria parasite enters red blood cells in the body, it multiplies there leading to the symptoms such as fever, headache and even coma in a few cases. Natural immunity is helpful only in some of the cases of malaria.  The best way to stop the spread of malaria is to spread awareness regarding the disease and controlling the breeding of its vector.

Spread Awareness about the Disease

Awareness can stop the spread of malaria as people can be more cautious at an early stage. There is a need to educate people about the causes and symptoms of malaria. Beside prevention, this will also help in early diagnosis and quick treatment of malaria.

Controlling the Vector

The spread and breeding of anopheles mosquito, the vector of the malaria parasite, must be necessarily stopped or controlled from human populated areas.

• Remove standing water from the areas that are nearby your office or home.
• Anopheles mosquitoes are more active during dusk and dawn. So try to stay indoors during these hours.
• If you absolutely need to step out during dusk or dawn then minimise exposure to mosquitoes by wearing covered clothes. Apply mosquito repellent creams with a high level of N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide(DEET) before going out.
• Indoor residual spraying (IRS) with insecticides is also recommended for vector control.
• Insecticide treated mosquito nets are recommended for vector control by the World Health Organization.

Drugs for Stopping the Spread of Malaria

Mefloquine, atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, chloroquine and primaquine are some of the drugs that are helpful in minimising the spread of malaria. If you are travelling to countries where malaria is prevalent, then it is advisable to take anti malarial drugs. These drugs must be taken under medical supervision taking in account the health and medical history of the person.

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