02 Nov 2019 | 05:54 AM UTC
Burundi: Nationwide malaria outbreak continues as of end of October /update 1
Nationwide malaria outbreak infects seven million people from January through end of October 2019; take precautions against mosquitoes
Event
According to a report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Sunday, October 27, a malaria outbreak has infected 7,233,138 people nationwide between January and the end of October 2019. At least 2691 related deaths have been reported. The eastern region of the country is reported to be the most affected.
Further spread of the outbreak is to be expected over the coming weeks.
Context
Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, nausea, and body aches; early symptoms usually appear between seven and 15 days after the contaminating mosquito bite. There is no vaccine but preventive medications are available.
Advice
Individuals in Burundi are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites - e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito netting or in an air conditioned room - and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).
