Understanding malaria: Causes, symptoms and prevention

The Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) in March embarked on an exercise to distribute mosquito nets in malaria-endemic areas to prevent the spread of the disease.

KEMSA chief executive officer Andrew Mulwa said it is a national government program where they distribute malaria mosquito nets every three years.

There are some 22 counties that have high malaria incidents in the country which are targeted for the mass net distribution every three years.

"This program was last done in 2020/2021. We have several clusters and now we are doing Mombasa then move to  Taita Taveta and Kwale as cluster two," he said.

The CEO who was speaking in Mombasa during the flagging off of 932,000 malaria mosquito nets said that the program is being initiated in clusters.

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening infectious disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus.

It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. 

Once transmitted to humans, the parasites travel to the liver, where they undergo maturation and multiplication.

They then enter the bloodstream, infecting red blood cells and causing the characteristic symptoms of malaria.

These symptoms typically include fever, chills, sweats, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

In severe cases, malaria can lead to complications such as severe anemia which can be fatal if not promptly treated.

According to WHO, malaria occurs primarily in tropical and subtropical countries.

The vast majority of malaria cases and deaths are found in the WHO African Region, with nearly all cases caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.

This parasite is also dominant in other malaria hotspots, including the WHO regions of Southeast Asia, Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific.

In the WHO region of the Americas, the Plasmodium vivax parasite is predominant.

The threat of malaria is highest in sub-Saharan Africa, and 4 countries in that region accounted for nearly half of all malaria deaths worldwide in 2022: Nigeria (31.1%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (11.6%), Niger (5.6%) and the United Republic of Tanzania (4.4%).

Preventing malaria primarily involves avoiding mosquito bites and taking preventive medications if you're traveling to areas where malaria is prevalent.

Here are some effective measures to prevent malaria:

Wear protective clothing

Cover your skin as much as possible, especially during peak mosquito activity times (dusk and dawn).

Wear long sleeves, pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes.

Sleep under mosquito nets

Sleep under mosquito nets and make sure the nets are properly tucked under the mattress to prevent mosquitoes from entering.

Stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodations

Choose lodging with air conditioning or screened windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

Take antimalarial medications

If you're traveling to an area where malaria is prevalent, consult with a healthcare professional well in advance of your trip to determine if you need to take antimalarial drugs.

These medications can prevent the parasite from establishing itself in your body if you're bitten by an infected mosquito.

Follow medication instructions

If prescribed antimalarial medication, take it exactly as directed. Start before your trip, continue during your stay in the affected area, and continue for a specified time after leaving the area.

Stay informed

Research the malaria risk in the specific area you're traveling to and follow any additional preventive measures recommended by local health authorities.

Reduce mosquito breeding sites

In areas where you live or stay for an extended period, help reduce mosquito populations by eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Empty or cover containers that can collect water, such as buckets, flower pots, or tires.

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting malaria.

If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea, or vomiting after visiting a malaria-endemic area, seek medical attention promptly, as early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing malaria.