Environmental Management to Prevention Malaria

After scorching summer of May and June at start of monsoon Malaria is common water born disease. The reason of malaria spread is due to lack of attention on water accumulation around habitations. Accumulated water is the breeding ground of mosquitoes which cause spread of malaria. Mosquito breeding can easily managed and handle if proper action and control taken in time. Malaria is an acute illness, which manifests itself with the onset of fever and has an acute incubation period of 7 days or longer. An illness developing less than one week after first possible exposure is not likely to be Malaria. Malaria is transmitted by the female anopheles mosquito which is characterised by length of the palps which is equal to that of the proboscis. Anopheles mosquitoes are active between sunset and sunrise. The most severe form is Plasmodium falciparum. The initial symptoms, which may be mild, may not be easy to recognise as being due to Malaria. It is important that the possibility of P. falciparum is considered in all cases of unexplained fever starting at any time between the 7th day of possible first exposure to Malaria and 3 months after the last possible exposure. Malaria exists throughout the year in the majority of India below 2000 m with 40-50% of cases due to P. falciparum. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of the infection are crucial in treating malaria Typical symptoms include fever and flu like illness such as headaches, tiredness and muscle aches. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also occur. P. falciparum if not promptly treated, may cause kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, coma and death. Mosquitoes biting could prevent with help of physical barriers like bed nets mosquito repellent, clothing but environmental management is the most effective way of controlling mosquito breeding and malaria spread. First step is to remove all standing water sources or covered and discard items that collect water in old tyres, pots and cooler. Fogging should be carried out to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne disease. It should be conducted within a two week period and carried out in the early evening or early morning when the air is cool and the wind is not greater than 6km/h. Fogging should be directed under buildings, roofs, in surrounding foliage and vegetation, rubbish collections and shaded waterways around facilities. In case of fever symptoms seek diagnosis and treatment to ensure that any unexpected fevers or flu like symptoms are reported and diagnosed as quickly as possible after onset.