Take precautions against malaria
It is vital for people to take medication prior to visiting a high-risk area to reduce the chances of being infected.
With focus on malaria awareness this month, people are urged to take precautions against the life-threatening disease when travelling to a high-risk area.
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite, called Plasmodium, which is transmitted to people by the female Anopheles mosquito.
The parasites multiply rapidly in the liver and red blood cells of the infected person.
It is vital for people to take medication prior to visiting a high-risk area to reduce the chances of being infected.
In South Africa, malaria is endemic in parts of north eastern KwaZulu-Natal, parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
High-risk African countries include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Mozambique, Angola, Kenya and Malawi.
People who are at a higher risk of being infected by malaria include young children, as well as pregnant women, and people from non-endemic areas.
When visiting these areas you should:
r Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
r Use insect repellents that are available in the form of lotions and sprays.
r Close doors and windows between dusk and dawn.
r Use a mosquito net.
Symptoms may only present one to two weeks after a person is infected.
Symptoms may include fever, headaches, chills, joint pain, dizziness and vomiting.
If you experience some, or all of these symptoms, visit a doctor immediately. Medication must be completed to prevent further complications or death.
r Information provided by ER24.
