Safeguard Your Home Against Malaria: Intelligent, Easy Strategies for the Wet Season
Preventing malaria at home involves a combination of strategies that target mosquito breeding conditions, protection from mosquito bites, and maintaining a strong immune system.
One of the most effective ways to prevent malaria is by sleeping under long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). These nets create a physical barrier and also kill or repel mosquitoes due to the insecticide treatment. To maximise their effectiveness, nets should be tucked properly under the mattress to prevent mosquito entry.
Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks, especially in the evening and at night, reduces exposed skin vulnerable to mosquito bites. Light-colored clothes are preferred since mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors. Treating clothes with permethrin spray offers additional protection.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Removing or regularly emptying water from containers like buckets, flower pots, drains, and discarded tires can significantly reduce mosquito breeding sites around the home.
Indoor residual spraying (IRS) with insecticides on walls and using liquid vaporizer devices can reduce mosquito presence inside homes. Applying mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin further lowers bite risk. Repellents need reapplication after sweating or swimming for continued effectiveness.
In some high-risk areas, taking anti-malarial tablets as prophylaxis under medical guidance may be recommended. Avoiding outdoor activity during peak mosquito biting times (dusk to dawn), keeping doors and windows screened or closed, and ensuring proper drainage in the house can also help prevent mosquito breeding.
Maintaining a strong immune system is vital for protecting against infections. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep can help the body fight off illness more effectively.
By following these guidelines, families can create multiple layers of protection against malaria, minimising mosquito contact and reducing mosquito populations in and around homes. This ensures a healthier home and community, and helps families stay active, productive, and worry-free throughout the season.
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