Malaria : Awareness Effort by Nepal Government

Introduction

Malaria is a communicable disease transmitted from one person to another through mosquito bite. 2 species of plasmodium has been identified to cause this disease at present in Nepal:
a. Plasmodium falciparum
b. Plasmodium vivax
Among these two, plasmodium falciparum is more dangerous which is the primary cause of death due to malaria.

How is malaria transmitted?

When an infected female anopheles mosquito bites a healthy person, plasmodium enters circulation along with its saliva. Hence, prevention from mosquito bite is the best way of preventing malaria.

What are the signs and Symptoms?

• Relapsing fever
• Amnesia
• If infected and untreated for long, spleen is enlarged
• Headache
• Vomitting
• Fainting
• If not treated on time may lead to death

Where to go if malaria is suspected?

Immediately reach to the nearest health post or health personnel and the blood test is performed for malaria on suspected person. Receive free antimalarial medicines made available by government and take it as suggested by the health personnel.

How to prevent malaria?

Prevent mosquito bite:

• Use bed-nets on bed while sleeping
• Use nets in windows and doors of house
• Use mosquito repellents
• Use mosquito repellent creams when going out

Destroy mosquitoes:

• Cooperate with government personnel to spray insecticides around your home
• Mosquitoes usually die within 3 to 6 months due to effect of insecticide
• Such walls should not be painted atleast for 3 months

Reduce mosquito habitats:

• Prevent stagnant water by filling unnecessary ditches, clearing bushes around ponds.
• Make still drainage (water) to flow
• Planting water absorbing trees like simal, jamoon, etc. is effective in areas where water is not necessary

Destroy offsprings of mosquitoes

• Kill the larve by immediately filling the ditches
• Use carnovorous fishes like gambusia which feeds on mosquito larvae

Destroy the parasites

• As soon as fever is observed, immediately perform blood test and take medications.

Source

Government of Nepal
Ministry of Health and Population
National Health Education, Information and Communication Center
Teku, Kathmandu