To Prevent Malaria

Dear Doctor,

I wonder, what can one use to actually prevent malaria in the environment? Thank you in advance

Dear Joe,

Yes, it is true you can prevent the transmission of malaria by the use of any of the following methods generally reffered to as non-drug prevention.The list is courtesy Evidence -Based medicine website.

Insecticide treated nets In adult and child residents of malaria endemic settings, one study found that insecticide treated nets reduced the number of mild episodes of malaria and reduced child mortality.

Insecticide treated clothing in adults Two recently concluded studies in soldiers and refugee householders found that permethrin treated fabric (clothing or sheets) reduced the incidence of malaria.

Aerosol insecticides in adults While one large questionnaire survey in travellers found insufficient evidence on the effects of aerosol insecticides in preventing malaria, two community studies in residents of malaria endemic areas found that indoor spraying of aerosol insecticides reduced clinical malaria.

Air conditioning and electric fans in adults One large questionnaire survey found that air conditioning reduced the incidence of malaria. One small observational study found that electric ceiling fans reduced total catches of culicine mosquitos in indoor spaces but did not significantly reduce total catches of anopheline mosquitoes.

Full length clothing in adults One large questionnaire survey in travellers found that wearing trousers and long sleeved shirts reduced the incidence of malaria.

Mosquito coils and vaporising mats in adults One case-control study of coils in travellers found no evidence of a protective effect against malaria. One study of coils and one observational study of pyrethroid vaporising mats found that these devices reduced numbers of culicine mosquitoes in indoor spaces.

Smoke One controlled clinical trial found that smoke repelled mosquitoes during the evening.

Topical (skin applied) insect repellents in adults One small crossover RCT found that diethyltoluamide (DEET) preparations protected against mosquito bites. DEET has been reported to cause systemic and skin adverse reactions, particularly with prolonged use.

Acoustic buzzers in adults; biological control measures.