Clearing up the most prevalent malaria myths
Part of what makes malaria so dangerous is that many people believe common misconceptions. Malaria is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly those who live in tropical and subtropical regions. Information from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights four specific African countries that account for just over half of all malaria deaths worldwide. These are Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Mozambique.
To effectively fight and manage malaria, we need to understand the facts versus common myths and misconceptions.
Quick Read:
- The Anopheles mosquito often bites silently, so the absence of a buzzing sound does not mean you are safe.
- Malaria is not just a “rural” or “long-term” problem; one single bite in a high-risk area can lead to infection.
- Vaccines and medication are highly effective, but must be used alongside bed nets and insecticides for maximum protection.
Before we delve into malaria myths, it’s important to know that malaria does not spread like the flu or cold. It’s not a disease that can be sexually transmitted and you cannot “catch it” from someone’s food or water. The female Anopheles mosquito is the culprit that causes malaria through a bite.
Myth 1: No mosquitoes = no malaria
Unfortunately, even if you don’t see or hear a mosquito buzzing around, it doesn’t mean you are not at risk for malaria. The mosquito that carries the malaria virus is the female Anopheles mosquito. According to the NICD, it’s small and noiseless, and often doesn’t leave a mark either. Many people believe that they don’t get bitten by mosquitoes, especially if they don’t hear them buzzing.
Myth 2: Malaria isn’t that serious
Certainly not true. Malaria accounts for millions of deaths in Africa and worldwide. The heartening news is that luckily, not every case leads to death, but we still cannot and should not underestimate the severity of malaria.
Myth 3: Only people in Africa get malaria
While we do have high numbers of malaria on the continent, malaria is still found in other parts of the world, such as South America, Asia, the Middle East, and even some regions in Europe. In fact, travellers to these areas should be aware of malaria risks, as they can still contract the disease, even if you assume the area has no malaria cases.
Myth 4: The anti-malaria pills will make me sick
Just like any medication that you take, you may not have the same side-effects as the next person. It’s understandable to have concerns about anti-malaria pills. It’s true that some people have negative effects, but you may be able to tolerate the medication better. Ask the pharmacist, a doctor, or a nurse at the clinic about the potential side-effects if you’re concerned, but remember, these pills are created to prevent malaria infections and treat existing malaria cases.
Myth 5: I won’t be in a high-risk area for long so I don’t need anti-malaria medication
This is another dangerous malaria misconception. From the NICD, “A high-risk area is a high-risk area regardless of the length of time spent in it. True, the chances of you getting bitten by an infected mosquito rise the longer you spend in that region, as does the need for you to take antimalarials. It only takes one bite from one infected mosquito to contract malaria. Seek professional advice on what medication and length of course you need for where you are going.”
So, as you can see, it’s important to know as much as you can about malaria and weed out fact from fiction to stay healthy and safe.
Help at hand: protecting yourself from malaria
Malaria vaccines are being introduced into routine child immunisation schedules in Africa. Other prevention measures such as mosquito bed nets and insecticides must continue to be used in conjunction with the vaccines, to maximise impact on the disease. – The Lancet, June 2024
Knowledge is your first line of defense, but science is providing more tools than ever. However, remember that vaccines are part of a broader strategy.
To maximise your protection, you must use vaccines alongside traditional methods:
- Use insecticide-treated bed nets to provide a critical barrier while you sleep.
- Apply good-quality insect repellents, especially during dawn and dusk.
- Always get advice from a doctor or at the clinic regarding the right prophylaxis for your specific travel destination.
Images: Pixabay
