Malaria is a life-threatening disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes carrying the plasmodium parasite. The best possible way to reduce the risk of malaria is to protect oneself against mosquito bites and by taking antimalarial medicines. Although it is impossible to avoid mosquito bites completely, the less you are bitten, the less likely is the risk of malaria.

Dos and Don'ts to reduce risk of malaria at home

The following guidelines should be taken at home to prevent the mosquito bites:

  • Wear protective clothing such as long pants and long sleeves, especially at night.
  • Stay indoors at night, where there is effective air-conditioning and screens on doors and windows.
  • Use an insect repellent that contains an ingredient called DEET (N,N diethylmetatoluamide). It is recommended to use a repellent with 10% to 30% DEET.
  • Use bed nets (mosquito nets) that are sprayed or soaked in an insectide such as permethrin or deltamethrin.
  • Blankets that are treated with mosquito repellents are also beneficial.
  • It is advisable to avoid travelling to areas where malaria is present.
  • Depending on the level of risk in the residing area, it is advisable to take necessary malaria prophylaxis either on a daily or weekly basis.

 As there is currently no vaccine against this deadly disease, it is necessary to take all the aforesaid precautions to prevent the onset of the disease.