How to Protect Yourself and Your Family Against Malaria

With malaria cases on the rise in parts of Mpumalanga, residents can take simple but effective steps to protect themselves and their families.

Malaria is a potentially serious disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While the disease is preventable and treatable, early action is critical.

Preventative Measures to Reduce Risk

Health officials advise residents to take the following precautions, especially in the evenings when mosquitoes are most active:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and closed shoes, particularly from dusk to dawn.
• Apply registered insect repellent to exposed skin.
• Eliminate standing water around homes, including buckets, containers, tyres and puddles where mosquitoes can breed.
• Spray indoor spaces with insecticide, especially bedrooms before sleeping.
• Use mosquito coils or vaporising mats to deter mosquitoes at night.

Keeping living areas clean and reducing stagnant water plays a major role in limiting mosquito populations.

Image: Mpumalanga Health has issued a malaria warning, urging residents to watch for symptoms and seek testing immediately if they feel unwell.

 

Understanding Malaria Symptoms

Malaria symptoms usually appear 7 to 21 days after a mosquito bite and may initially feel similar to flu. Residents are urged not to ignore early warning signs.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle and joint pain
• General flu-like illness

Early detection significantly reduces the risk of complications and helps prevent further spread within communities.

As the rainy season continues, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow preventative measures, and seek medical care without delay if symptoms develop.