Protect Yourself from Malaria this Season

A small mosquito has the power to infect and kill millions around the world. Here are some facts, which define the rampant problem of Malaria around the world:

• More than a million people die each year due to Malaria
• 300-600 million catch Malaria, every year
• 40% of the world’s population live in Malaria-prone zones
• Malaria kills a child every two minutes

So how does India fare in all this?

 

FIRST THE BAD NEWS

India Has 4th highest number of malaria cases and deaths in the World.

 

HERE’S THE GOOD NEWS

• Among the top 11 Malaria-infected nations, India is the only country, which has managed to reduce its malaria burden by bringing down the disease by an impressive 24% between 2016 and 2017.
• India managed to reduce 3 million cases of Malaria in 2017

 

While the numbers are impressive, there’s still a lot that needs to be done. We can’t just accept government funding and support. As responsible citizens, it’s our job to ensure a malaria-free environment. The change starts with us.

 

So Where Do We Begin From?

Charity starts at home and so does disease prevention. Here are a few tips on how we can make our home and surroundings malaria free.

 

Cleanliness is Godliness

The Swacchh India movement has gathered steam in the last few years thanks to the initiatives of the government. Keeping your surroundings clean and green should be your motto at home. Make sure you clean all your floors and utensils with a disinfectant, which prevents the growth of mosquitoes. Rinse your clothes well, so that they do not remain moist and humid, which enable the growth of mosquitoes.

 

A Repellant Spray a Day Keeps Malaria Away

Make sure you are always carrying a mosquito repellant wherever you go. It’s handy, non-greasy and easy to apply. It ensures you have no blood-thirsty mosquitos lurking around you while you enjoy a good night’s sleep. Keep it in every room so that you don’t have to keep running around looking for it.

 

Aromatic Way to Keeo the Mosquitoes at Bay

Who doesn’t like the smell of fresh lemongrass, mint, marigold, lavender or basil? Simple answer - mosquitoes . Aromatic plants ensure that mosquitoes are away from your vicinity and keep your home malaria free.

 

Still Water Keeps Malaria on the Move

Still or stagnant water in your home is a strict no-no. That’s because mosquitoes lay their larvae in still water as it allows them the perfect breeding ground to multiply. So, the minute you find any stagnant or still water, make sure you clear it immediately. A lot of Indian homes have coolers, which require water.

 

Unfortunately, many of us often ignore to clean them thoroughly during the rains. Later, we regret when someone at home falls ill due to malaria. These small steps can go a long way to prevent malaria.

 

Kep Yourself Covered

Keep those clothes long and loose especially at dawn and sunset because mosquitoes usually strike during this time frame. Also, since the risk of mosquitoes is more in children, make sure there’s a mosquito net around their bed at night. This ensures maximum security from mosquitoes and malaria during their sleep.

 

The Malaria Pills

If you are travelling to a malaria-risk country, make sure you take an anti-malaria pill or injection as they can reduce your chances of having malaria by 90%. Even then, you can’t take it easy as there is still a 10% chance of getting infected. So, make sure you take all the preventive measures above.