01 Nov 2024 | 10:21 AM UTC
Ethiopia: Elevated malaria activity reported nationwide in early November
Elevated malaria activity reported nationwide in Ethiopia in early November. Consider anti-malarial medications; avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated malaria activity nationwide in Ethiopia, with more than 7,300,000 cases reported Jan. 1-Oct. 20. This is compared to the 4,100,000 cases reported in 2023. Four regions account for 81 percent of reported cases, with Oromia (44 percent) being the most affected, followed by Amhara (18 percent), Southwest (12 percent) and South Ethiopia Regional State (7 percent). The WHO is supporting Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health in coordinating malaria response efforts through integrated platforms and a multi-emergency incident management structure. Key interventions include dispatching supplies to affected areas, deploying technical experts, and mobilizing resources. This report represents the most complete data available as of Nov. 1.
See a medical provider to discuss the need for anti-malarial medication before traveling to malaria-endemic countries or regions. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop within a month of being in affected areas; however, be sure to inform a healthcare provider of any travel to affected areas during the past 12 months.
Malaria poses a significant public health challenge in Ethiopia, with approximately 75 percent of the country's landmass considered malaria-endemic and around 69 percent of the population residing in these areas facing the risk of infection. Risk of infection exists in all areas below 2,500 m elevation, with rare cases reported in Addis Ababa. The risk of malaria infection in Ethiopia typically peaks between September-December and April-May following the rainy seasons. Health authorities reported 4,100,000 malaria cases in Ethiopia in 2023, 3,300,000 cases in 2022, and 1,300,000 cases in 2021.
Malaria is a disease caused by parasites transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. In rare occasions, malaria transmission is also possible through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, or the sharing of needles or syringes contaminated with infected blood. It can also be transmitted from mother to child before or during delivery. Symptoms typically appear 10-15 days after being bitten; however, there are reports of symptoms beginning as late as one year. Symptoms of malaria most commonly include fever, chills, headaches and body aches, nausea and vomiting, and general malaise. Some types of malaria can progress to severe illness.
