People Urged To Take Preventive Measures Against Malaria Virus In Summer

Doctors are warning against the increasing threat of Malaria during the summer season and recommending people to take preventive measures to keep the mosquito-borne disease at bay.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Apr, 2018 ) :Doctors are warning against the increasing threat of Malaria during the summer season and recommending people to take preventive measures to keep the mosquito-borne disease at bay.

Expert Professor Dr Khalid talking to private news channel gave a detailed account of the causes, symptoms, preventive measures and treatment methods of the disease. Medical expert said Malaria is caused by the plasmodium parasite that is passed from one human to another by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.

There are two types of malaria Falciparum and Vivax. While the former is more common and curable, the latter is dangerous and may lead to death, if not properly taken care of. "The cases of malaria have started to come.

We are receiving two to three cases in a week. But as the temperature will rise, the numbers will also increase. We are suggesting people to take proper medication and use mosquito repellents at home," said Dr.

Expert suggested that malaria should be suspected in patients with any febrile illness. "Young kids are more vulnerable to malaria as they have not built up immunity to the disease". Moreover, early diagnosis is extremely important, Professor Dr Ilyass said.

Dr Ilyass said , "People should not ignore any type of fever and must consult a doctor," he added. Talking of prevention, experts said key interventions to control malaria include: early diagnosis and prompt treatment of cases, universal coverage of all people with risk, use of long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets (LLINs) during sleeping, selective indoor residual insecticide spray (IRS) in high risk communities to control transmission of vector mosquitoes, and elimination of mosquito breeding sites (source reduction) by drainage, filling of waste water bodies with earth, cleaning of drains and clearing of vegetation etc.

For early diagnosis of malaria, microscopic examination of blood slides and use of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits such as Dipsticks can be used, they said, Medical experts highlighted that the risk of death from severe malaria is greatest in the first 24 hours.

It is therefore very important that health care providers at the first level of contact of the patient initiate appropriate anti-malarial treatment. If malaria is suspected and the decision to treat is made, then a full effective treatment is required whether or not the diagnosis is confirmed by a test, said Dr.

Talking of personal protective measures, DR Khalid said individuals should wear light coloured clothes, long trousers, pants, full-sleeved shirts etc when outdoor after dusk. Avoid dark colors as they attract mosquitoes.

Apply some mosquito repellent lotion on exposed parts of the skin when go outside and sit in the lawn after sunset. Sleep in rooms where there is screening of windows and doors. Use Coils and electric mats in rooms at night to prevent mosquito bites, he said.