What is malaria?
Malaria is a disease spread by a type of mosquito. People who have malaria may show symptoms like fever, chills, headaches, muscle and joint pain. Malaria is easily preventable and treatable. But sometimes, it can become quite serious, especially if it is not treated on time.
Malaria is caused when a special type of female mosquito bites a human. This mosquito is known as the “anopheles mosquito”.
Are vaccinations available against malaria?
People have been trying to create a vaccine against malaria for over a hundred years. Recently, the World Health Organization has allowed vaccination against malaria. This vaccine is called ‘Mosquirix’.
Vaccination reduces the chance of a person being sent to a hospital in case they get malaria. The vaccine is only available in parts of Africa right now. This is because the maximum number of cases of malaria come from Africa.
How do I stay safe from malaria?
You can keep yourself safe from malaria by using creams such as Odomos which keep mosquitoes away. People can also use mosquito nets, wear long-sleeve clothes, and close doors and windows during evenings. Another important method to avoid malaria is to remove water collected around your house.
