Uganda: High rates of malaria in 2017

Event

According to Uganda's Ministry of Health, particularly high rates of malaria were again reported in the country in 2017, with a total of 80,000 fatal cases reported - equivalent to an average of 200 people killed by the disease every day. Between 20 and 23 percent of victims were children under the age of five. The government recently completed a year-long campaign from February 2017 to March 2018, distributing approximately 27 million bed nets to protect against mosquitos, covering around 85% of the population. Prevention methods such as Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in high-prevalence areas of Northern Uganda were also put in place to combat the spread of the disease.

Context

Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, nausea, and body aches. Early symptoms usually appear between ten and 15 days after the contaminating mosquito bite. There is no vaccine but preventive medications are available. Pregnant women, individuals with weakened immune systems (such as those living with HIV), children under the age of five, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the disease.

Advice

To minimize the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, use insect repellent, wear covering clothing, and consider sleeping under mosquito netting if in high-risk areas. If you develop a high fever during or after travel in areas affected by malaria, seek immediate medical attention.