World Malaria Day 2025: Essential Tips to Protect Yourself from Symptoms and Prevention

Editor's note: This article, penned by Dr. Shokat Muffadal—a resident doctor at The Nairobi West Hospital—highlights the ongoing menace of malaria in Kenya. To mark World Malaria Day 2025, Dr. Muffadal elucidates the factors behind malaria, its telltale signs, and essential preventive methods that can save lives. Given that malaria still poses a grave risk to many people, particularly those living in vulnerable areas, this piece acts as an urgent call for increased vigilance and preventative actions, which continue to be our most potent shields against the disease.

On April 25th, we observe World Malaria Day, an international occasion that underscores how far we've come but also highlights that millions continue to live under the constant threat of malaria. However, there’s reason for hope: with appropriate measures, malaria can be prevented and cured.

Malaria is a severe illness transmitted through mosquito bites, particularly from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. After biting humans, these insects transmit microscopic parasites known as Plasmodium, which initially hide out in the liver before invading red blood cells. If left untreated, this condition can be fatal.

Malaria does not necessarily manifest immediately. Symptoms could appear several days or even weeks following a mosquito bite. Initially, the indications often resemble those of influenza, including fever, shivers, muscular pain, headaches, queasiness, and profound fatigue. Certain individuals might experience additional gastrointestinal problems or develop a persistent cough.

These symptoms might initially appear minor, yet they should not be dismissed lightly—particularly if you have visited a region where malaria is prevalent. Early medical intervention can make all the difference.

In 2022, Kenya documented approximately 3.42 million instances of malaria, resulting in 219 fatalities. This number is lower compared to figures from 2019; however, malaria continues to pose a threat to 70% of the country's populace, particularly those residing in coastal areas and near lakes. Thus, the battle against this disease is far from concluded.

Malaria can be managed using specific medications known as antimalarial drugs. However, why take the risk of getting ill when you could prevent it? The most effective defense is prevention. Follow these steps to stay safe:

• Defend against bites: Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or essential oils such as lemon eucalyptus.
• Sleep soundly: Employ insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent nocturnal mosquito bites.
• Cover-up clothing: Wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers helps prevent mosquitoes from accessing your skin to feed on.
• Stay in during mosquito hours: Mosquitoes are busiest at dawn and dusk—great times to stay indoors.
• If you're traveling to an area with a risk of malaria, make sure to take antimalarial medication before, throughout, and after your journey.
• Remove stagnant water: Since mosquitoes reproduce in undisturbed water, make sure to empty it out in areas near your house to prevent their population from growing.

While malaria might be cunning, through increased awareness and proactive measures, we can outmaneuver it. Let’s continue to spread knowledge and not mosquitoes.

Dr. Shokat Muffadal, who works as a resident doctor at The Nairobi West Hospital, has a particular passion for studying infectious diseases and promoting community health education.

The opinions stated belong to the author and do not necessarily represent the stance of Https://Positivibemind.com.co.ke.