City Medical Center

Malaria remains one of the most common reasons people in Cameroon seek medical care, especially during and after the rainy season when mosquito populations surge. The good news is that malaria is both preventable and treatable when caught early. Here’s what every household should understand to stay protected.

How Malaria Spreads

Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, which is most active between dusk and dawn. It is not contagious between people through casual contact — you cannot catch it by touching or sitting near someone who is infected.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Malaria symptoms often appear 7–15 days after being bitten and can resemble a common flu at first, which is why it’s frequently missed in its early stages. Watch for:

• Fever, chills, and sweating that come in cycles
• Headache and body aches
• Fatigue and general weakness
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• In children especially, irritability and poor feeding

Any fever in a child under five in a malaria-endemic area should be treated as a medical emergency until proven otherwise. Severe malaria can progress quickly, so don’t wait to see if symptoms improve on their own — seek testing and treatment promptly.

Protecting Your Household

1. Sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net (ITN). This remains one of the single most effective prevention tools available, particularly for young children and pregnant women.
2. Eliminate standing water around your home. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water — check gutters, flowerpots, discarded containers, and open drains.
3. Use window and door screens where possible, and consider indoor residual spraying if it’s available in your area.
4. Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening, particularly during peak transmission months.
5. Get tested at the first sign of fever. A simple rapid diagnostic test can confirm malaria within minutes, allowing treatment to begin the same day.

Special Considerations for Pregnant Women and Young Children

Pregnant women and children under five face a much higher risk of severe complications from malaria, including anemia, low birth weight, and in serious cases, death. If you’re pregnant, ask your healthcare provider about preventive treatment options offered during antenatal visits, and prioritize sleeping under a treated net every night.

When to See a Doctor

Don’t self-medicate with leftover antimalarial drugs from a previous illness. Every fever has a different cause, and taking the wrong treatment — or an incomplete dose — can allow the parasite to develop resistance. If you or a family member develops a fever, especially with chills or fatigue that doesn’t improve within a day, visit a clinic for testing rather than guessing at home.

The Bottom Line

Malaria prevention is a daily habit, not a one-time fix. Combining bed nets, environmental cleanup, and prompt testing gives your family the strongest defense. If fever strikes, act fast — early treatment is what keeps malaria from becoming a medical emergency.