www.Kisii.Com: Syndicated news from only reputable sources [Nation, and Standard Newspapers, Kenya Times, KBC, etc.]
Malaria Risk High As Temperatures Rise
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, 18 July 2007 02:12
The Director of the Meteorological Services, Dr Joseph Mukabana, said the temperatures in the area had gone up, providing a conducive habitat for mosquitoes which transmit the malaria parasite.
While releasing the short rains season forecast at the department's headquarters, Mukabana said recent studies have also indicated that the immunity of residents against the disease was low, leading to high incidence of the disease.
And Head of Division of Malaria Control at the Ministry of Health Dr Sam Ochola, said contingency measures had been taken to contain any outbreak of highland malaria in Kisii.
Ochola urged for community awareness campaigns on the need to seek treatment when they notice signs of infection. He said the Government had identified risk areas in Kisii and Gucha districts and embarked on an awareness programme to encourage the public to seek treatment early.
The Malaria Control head confirmed that highland malaria cases that result into epidemics have a direct link to weather and climatic changes.
He noted that changes in the temperature have provided a conducive environment for the growth and multiplication of mosquitoes which transmit the malaria parasite.
In a telephone interview, Ochola said the Government is continuing to provide spray pumps and chemical for use in indoors spraying. Mosquito nets are also being distributed to families in the high risk areas.
