How To Avoid Malaria When Visiting Nigeria

Malaria is a serious disease, which in the worst case may be fatal. It's widespread in tropical and subtropical areas. Malaria, spread by the Anopheles mosquito, kills millions of people in tropical and sub-tropical Africa every year. As a visitor to these areas you are also at risk of getting this disease. With the right precautions you can minimize your chances of getting malaria. Malaria is a preventable infection that can be fatal if left untreated. You cannot be vaccinated against malaria, but you can protect yourself. There are very few countries in Africa that are malaria-free, Nigeria is not one of them. Here are ways to avoid malaria when you are visiting Nigeria.

How to avoid malaria when visiting Nigeria

1) Avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes

 

There are a number of sensible precautions that one can take to keep mosquitoes away when you're traveling:

Use a mosquito net at night, the most effective are those treated with an insect repellent. Bring one with you, they are very light and will easily fit in your luggage.

  Wear protective clothing. Both at day and during the night, wear clothing that makes it difficult for mosquitoes to penetrate your skin.  long trousers, long-sleeved clothing and socks are thick enough to stop the mosquitoes bite, and should be worn outside after sunset. But it may be hard to follow such advice in a hot climate. Light colours are less attractive to mosquitoes.

  Stay somewhere that has effective air conditioning and screening on doors and windows. If this is not possible, make sure that doors and windows close properly.

Use personal insect repellent protection. There are different types of repellent available on the market and some ingredients are stronger than others and may not be available in all countries. Generally, products containing pyrethrum or synthetic pyrethroids are considered safe for personal use

2)  Failure of travelers to take anti-malarial drugs for the full prescribed cycle, including upon returning home, lessens their effectiveness.You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria

3) Continue to take anti-malarial medication upon your return home, as advised by the manufacturer's directions or your health practitioner's advice. The dosage will have already been determined for you but if you experienced delays in your travel plans, etc., see your doctor as soon as you return for updated advice. Except for Malarone, all anti-malarial drugs need to be continued for four weeks after returning home.Failure of travelers to take anti-malarial drugs for the full prescribed cycle, including upon returning home, lessens their effectiveness


4) The last but not the least, seek immediate medical advice if you have malaria symptoms, including up to a year after you return from travelling.