Malaria can kill very quickly if it is not promptly diagnosed. There is an A B C D for prevention of malaria. This is:
Awareness of risk of malaria—The risk is higher for expats who live in Nigeria or other parts of the Sub-Saharan region than tourists or those born within this region as they have developed some degree of immunity which an expat does not have.
Bite prevention—Use repellants, wear clothes that cover the body especially in the dusk to dawn period when mosquitoes are more active, use insecticide treated bed net (ITN), window net and keep surrounding clean.
Chemoprophylaxis (Antimalarial medication—taking antimalarial medication exactly as prescribed). There is a need to have personalized advice on what therapy or regimen or what tablets are right for you based on the job you do, gender, any pre-existing medical condition, age and the duration of stay in the area. All drug regimens have advantages and disadvantages, but prophylaxes are recommended for expatriates as Nigeria and other areas in the region are particularly high-transmission destinations.
Diagnosis (Prompt diagnosis and treatment)—Some doctors (if diagnostic facilities are not available or there are severe symptoms) will start drugs immediately especially in children. Diagnostic blood tests should be undergone as soon as possible.
To read and also download our e-book – A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR EXPATS COMING TO LIVE IN NIGERIA, click here.