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In Kenya, the combat towards malaria continues to be a major public well being problem. Despite many years of efforts to manage the illness, new developments have intensified issues. The emergence of a lethal mosquito species, Anopheles stephansi, poses a severe risk, significantly in areas like Marsabit, Turkana, and Samburu counties. Read on to know indicators, signs and preventive measures to maintain your self secure.
Kenya’s Malaria Battle Intensifies With Emergence Of Deadly Mosquito Species (Image Credits: iStock)
Kenya has been combating malaria for a few years however now, there is a new risk which is making it even more durable for the nation. A brand new species of mosquito referred to as Anopheles stephansi has been present in Marsabit, Turkana, and Samburu. These mosquitoes are making malaria worse.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has confirmed the arrival of the brand new mosquito species within the nation, warning of potential dangers to areas beforehand thought-about malaria-free.
In distinction to the standard malaria-transmitting mosquitoes like Anopheles gambie and Anopheles funfest, Anopheles stephansi is deemed invasive, exhibiting a better propensity to unfold malaria to beforehand unaffected areas. Moreover, this species demonstrates adaptability to varied climatic and environmental circumstances, compounding the challenges posed by its presence.
The Health Cabinet Secretary issued a warning to the National Assembly Parliamentary Health Committee, expressing concern over the potential reversal of progress within the combat towards malaria in Kenya because of the emergence of the brand new mosquito species.
Highlighting the alarming state of affairs, the Health CS cited Marsabit County for instance, historically thought-about malaria-free however now grappling with a major rise in circumstances. Specifically, Marsabit has reported a staggering 3,329 malaria circumstances, with 434 circumstances recorded in January alone.
Providing additional perception, Nakhumicha shared that the laboratory reporting fee for January 2024 stood at 70 p.c. Additionally, she famous a regarding development of elevated malaria positivity charges over the previous yr in comparison with earlier intervals.
Signs And Symptoms Of Malaria
Common indicators and signs of malaria embody:
Fever: Often, malaria begins with a excessive fever, which may happen in cycles, with chills and sweating.
Headaches: Severe complications are a typical symptom of malaria.
Fatigue: Feeling extraordinarily drained or weak is typical, particularly throughout fever episodes.
Muscle And Joint Pain: Aches and pains within the muscle mass and joints are frequent signs of malaria.
Nausea And Vomiting: Many people with malaria expertise nausea, and vomiting may additionally happen.
Sweating: Profuse sweating, particularly throughout fever spikes, is frequent.
Chills: Shivering and feeling chilly are sometimes skilled throughout fever episodes.
Anaemia: Malaria can result in a lower in crimson blood cells, leading to anaemia, which may trigger fatigue and weak spot.
Jaundice: In extreme circumstances, malaria could result in jaundice, characterised by yellowing of the pores and skin and eyes.
Preventive Measures To Take For Malaria
Preventive measures for malaria embody:
Use Of Bed Nets: Sleeping below insecticide-treated mattress nets (ITNs) can considerably scale back the chance of mosquito bites, particularly throughout peak biting occasions at evening.
Insect Repellents: Applying insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on uncovered pores and skin will help repel mosquitoes.
Wearing Protective Clothing: Wearing long-sleeved shirts, lengthy pants, socks, and closed-toe sneakers can scale back pores and skin publicity to mosquito bites.
Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS): Spraying pesticides indoors on partitions and ceilings can kill mosquitoes that come into contact with these surfaces, lowering transmission.
Antimalarial Medications (Chemoprophylaxis): Taking prescribed antimalarial medication earlier than, throughout, and after journey to malaria-endemic areas can forestall an infection. The selection of medicine will depend on elements resembling vacation spot, drug resistance, and particular person well being standing.
Environmental Measures: Eliminating standing water round residing areas, the place mosquitoes breed, will help scale back mosquito populations. This contains draining stagnant water from containers, overlaying water storage containers, and avoiding out of doors actions throughout peak mosquito-biting occasions.
Travel Precautions: Researching malaria threat areas and taking applicable preventive measures earlier than journey, resembling acquiring vaccinations and carrying crucial drugs, is crucial.
Pregnancy Precautions: Pregnant girls in malaria-endemic areas ought to take further precautions, together with sleeping below mattress nets and searching for antenatal take care of preventive measures and therapy.
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