Health & Wellness · Written by the Blessed Records editorial team · Published 21 October 2026
Malaria remains a serious health problem in Nigeria and many other countries. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The good news is that it is preventable and treatable when care is sought quickly. This article shares general prevention steps in line with widely published public-health guidance. It is not a diagnosis or treatment guide, so please see a health worker for any illness.
How malaria spreads
A mosquito becomes infected after biting a person who has the parasite. When it later bites another person, it can pass the infection on. These mosquitoes tend to bite from dusk to dawn, and they breed in standing water, even in small amounts.
Prevent bites
- Sleep under an insecticide-treated net every night, and check it for holes.
- Use window and door screens and keep doors closed at dusk when possible.
- Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening if you are outdoors.
- Use mosquito repellent that is suitable for your age and follow the label.
- Consider indoor protection such as fans, which can make it harder for mosquitoes to bite.
Reduce mosquito breeding
- Empty and scrub containers that hold water, including buckets, tyres and flower pots.
- Cover water storage containers tightly.
- Clear blocked drains and gutters.
- Keep the compound tidy and trim overgrown bushes.
Recognise the symptoms
Typical symptoms include fever, chills, sweating, headache, body aches, tiredness, nausea and vomiting. These can resemble other illnesses, which is why testing matters. Do not assume that every fever is malaria, and do not simply guess which medicine to take.
Get tested and treated promptly
- If you or a family member has a fever, visit a clinic or health centre for a test.
- Take the full course of any prescribed treatment exactly as advised.
- Avoid buying leftover or unprescribed drugs from unreliable sellers.
- Return to the clinic if symptoms do not improve.
Seek urgent care for danger signs
Go to a hospital immediately if there is confusion, convulsions, repeated vomiting, difficulty breathing, extreme weakness, very dark urine or yellow eyes. Young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity are at higher risk and should receive medical care without delay. Pregnant women should ask their antenatal clinic about preventive treatment.
Travel and community
If you are travelling to a high-risk area, ask a health professional about preventive options before you go. Community clean-ups, shared drainage maintenance and net distribution programmes work best when neighbours take part together.
Common questions
Can I get malaria more than once?
Yes. Past infection does not guarantee lasting protection, so keep using prevention measures.
Are nets still useful if I have screens?
Yes. Treated nets add another layer of protection while you sleep.
Should I treat every fever as malaria?
No. Fever has many causes, so a test is the safest way to know.
Key takeaways
- Sleeping under treated nets and avoiding standing water reduce risk.
- Fever should be tested and treated promptly through a health facility.
- Seek emergency care for danger signs, especially in children and pregnant women.
Keep reading
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This article is general health information and is not medical advice. Please speak with a qualified health professional about your own situation, and seek urgent care in an emergency. Read our editorial standards.