5 min read
Why it matters here
The Lake Victoria region, including Homa Bay County, has some of the highest malaria rates in Kenya. Young children and pregnant women are at greatest risk of severe illness, but anyone can be affected.
Prevent mosquito bites
The mosquitoes that spread malaria mostly bite between dusk and dawn.
- Sleep under a long-lasting insecticide-treated net every night, all year round.
- Tuck the net under the mattress and repair holes quickly.
- Clear standing water, old tins and tyres around the home.
- Wear long sleeves in the evening and use repellent if available.
Know the signs
Symptoms usually start 10–15 days after a bite.
- Fever, chills and sweating.
- Headache, body aches and tiredness.
- Vomiting, diarrhoea or loss of appetite, especially in children.
Always test before treating
Many illnesses cause fever. A quick blood test at the laboratory confirms malaria in minutes. If positive, finish the full course of medicine even when you feel better, so the infection does not return.
