Malaria is one of the most common illnesses in Nigeria, especially during the rainy season when stagnant water increases mosquito breeding.

Prevent stagnant water
While severe cases require hospital care, uncomplicated malaria can often be managed at home using proper steps and safe treatment practices.

In this article, Tribune Online explains how to treat malaria at home safely during the peak rainy season.

Confirm the illness before starting treatment
Before treating malaria at home, it is important to confirm that the symptoms are actually caused by malaria. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, body pain, fatigue and loss of appetite.

However, these symptoms can also occur in other illnesses such as typhoid or viral infections.A Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) at a pharmacy or clinic is the most reliable way to confirm malaria before treatment begins.

Use recommended anti-malaria medicines (ACTs)
Once malaria is confirmed, treatment should begin immediately using Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT). ACT medicines are the standard treatment recommended for uncomplicated malaria in Nigeria. They work by killing the malaria parasites in the body.

Complete the full dosage of treatment
One of the most common mistakes people make is stopping treatment when they start feeling better. Malaria symptoms may reduce before the parasites are fully cleared. Stopping treatment early can lead to relapse or incomplete recovery.

To ensure full recovery, the entire prescribed dose must be completed even if symptoms disappear.

Stay hydrated
Fever and sweating can lead to fluid loss in the body. Drinking enough water helps the body to recover faster and reduces weakness. Small but frequent intake of fluids is better than waiting until thirst becomes severe.

Rest properly
Rest is an important part of recovery. The body needs energy to fight the infection and respond to medication. Patients should avoid heavy physical activity until they regain strength.

Prevent mosquito bites during recovery
Even while treating malaria, it is important to avoid further mosquito bites to prevent reinfection. Simple preventive measures include sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, wearing long clothing in the evening, using mosquito repellents and keeping windows and doors screened.

Prevent stagnant water
Treatment is more effective when reinfection risk is reduced. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water found in gutters, tyres, buckets and open containers.

Keeping the environment clean and removing standing water helps to reduce mosquito populations around the home.
By Mutalib Jibril
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