PROPHYLAXIS AGAINST MALARIA Visitors can avoid or reduce the risk of contracting malaria by avoiding high risk areas or by visiting endemic malaria areas in years when
rainfall is low, or during the dry season.Prophylaxis against malaria may be divided into two categories namely precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites (personal
protection) and the taking of antimalarial drugs.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST MOSQUITO BITESPreventing mosquito bites is the most important and effective way to prevent malaria. In low risk areas or during the winter months precautionary measures against mosquito bites alone may be adequate. In areas where the
risk of contracting malaria is higher, antimalarial drugs may be taken in addition to measures against mosquito bites. Malaria vector mosquitoes feed between dusk and dawn, both
indoors and outdoors. Contact with them may be minimised by the following precautionary measures:
* If possible, remain indoors between dusk and dawn. * When necessary to go out at night wear long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and socks. * Apply an insect repellent to exposed skin. Repeat regularly but do not exceed the recommendations for use on the label of the container, particularly for small
children. * Stay in well-constructed and well-maintained buildings in the best developed part of town.
* Seal doors and windows with screens, but if not available, windows and doors should be closed at night. * Use a mosquito-proof bed net over the bed, with edges
tucked in under the mattress. Ensure that the net is not torn and that there are no mosquitoes inside. Protection will be increased by periodically treating the net with an
insecticide registered for this purpose, e.g. permethrin. * Spray the house inside with an aerosol insecticide (for flying insects) at dusk, especially the
bedrooms, after closing the windows. * Use mosquito mats, impregnated with an insecticide (heated electrically or by a non-electric lamp), or burn mosquito coils in
living and sleeping areas during the night. * Treat clothes with an insecticide registered for this purpose, e.g. permethrin.
Residents in malaria areas Since it is not practicable for all residents of malaria risk areas to take prophylactic drugs for long periods, the following measures can
be taken to reduce the number of mosquitoes they are exposed to:
* Build houses and villages away from marshy areas and water bodies which are potential larval breeding sites.
* Make provision for the optimum drainage of rainwater and household water near houses. * Install gauze screens in front of outside doors and on windows of houses.
* Near habitations, apply larvicides to standing water which cannot be drained. * Apply long-acting insecticides onto interior walls of houses.
The other measures to minimise the risk of mosquito bites, mentioned above, should also be taken by residents of malaria areas. The guidelines are endorsed by the Medical Association of South Africa. |
