Studycentre

India has the fourth highest number of malaria cases and deaths in the world as per recent reports. About 95% of the people are at risk. Most cases are reported from States like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. There is an urgent need to document cases and take integrated action at the earliest.

However, there are many challenges before this can be achieved. What is needed is a large-scale detection of cases and major awareness campaigns.

Symptoms of severe malaria include the following: Fever and chills; impaired consciousness, prostration, or adopting a prone position; multiple convulsions; deep breathing and respiratory distress; abnormal bleeding and signs of anemia; and clinical jaundice and evidence of vital organ dysfunction.

Some tips for prevention are:

• Do not let water stagnate in your house and the surrounding areas. Mosquito cycle takes 7-12 days to complete. So, if any utensil or container that stores water is cleaned properly once in a week, there are no chances of mosquito breeding.
• Use mosquito nets/repellents in night may not prevent malaria because these mosquitoes bite during the daytime.
• Wearing full sleeves shirt and trousers can prevent mosquito bites. Mosquito repellent can be helpful during the day.