Malaria is a deadly disease that is spread by thirsty blood sucking mosquitoes. This kind of disease grows rapidly and kills. Prevention such as personal protective measures and anti malaria pills are highly effective. being knowledgeable about malaria, its cause and symptoms can also serve as a constructive measure to its prevention. Malaria being a deadly disease can be prevented as follows:

Keep your environment clean – mosquitoes likes dirty and stinky environments and can be easily found in waste bins, vulnerable areas, stagnant water, dirty rooms etc. with adequate cleansing practice, you can prevent mosquito bite which is known as the most common way of transmitting malaria parasite.

Avoid mosquito bite by sleeping under bed nets and wear clothes treated with insecticide eg permatrin. the use of bed net is the most widely applied method of preventing malaria.

Take Anti-malaria pill- the type of pill you take should depend on the country you visit or residence to. Note that no anti malaria medication is 100% effective but can serve as a good measure in treating infected person

Be knowledgeable about malaria by understanding malaria symptoms. You should know that symptoms start from 7days or months after mosquito bites depending on the type of parasite that was injected in you

Always seek medical attention when symptoms are noticeable.

Avoid outdoors between dust and dawn especially when malaria are most active.

Make use of repellents. Repellents are most widely used in waterlogged areas where mosquitoes are denser. This means of repelling mosquitoes does not ony kill mosquitoes but also help in preventing the inconveniences caused by mosquitoes.

Feline pancreatitis is a gastrointestinal disease that occurs in cats. It is characterized by swelling of the pancreas. The pancreas produces insulin and other digestive enzymes. In cats that are affected by pancreatitis, the enzymes spread within the pancreas and other organs of the abdomen. This leads to inflammation of the pancreas. The toxins arising out of an infected pancreas may hamper the production of insulin. Feline pancreatitis symptoms include vomiting and fever. In addition the cat may also experience diarrhea, appetite loss, weight loss, lethargy and dehydration. however these symptoms are not unique to feline pancreatitis symptoms. they may occur in other conditions as well. therefore a proper examination of the affected cat is necessary. Cats affected by hepatic lipidosis are more likely to develop feline pancreatitis.

The main causes of cat pancreatitis are intestinal parasites and infection. Pancreatitis in felines may also result due to the infection that causes feline distemper. Genetic factors could also play a role in the development of this condition. The role of genes is especially strong since it has been observed that Siamese cats are more susceptible to feline pancreatitis. Cats that are exposed to the insecticide known as organophosphate may be vulnerable to this disease.  Diagnosis of feline pancreatitis is done by examining the levels of the enzymes lipase and amylase. when these enzymes are present in high levels, the disease is confirmed.  Swelling of the pancreas seen through ultrasound imaging is also indicative of this illness. Biopsy may also be done to diagnose the condition, although many veterinarians prefer not to do it since the inflammation may be aggravated.

When dealing with pancreatitis in a feline treatment is mainly aimed at reducing the swelling of the pancreas. Symptoms of cat diarrhea may be treated through fluid therapy. In case of vomiting, the cat must be given water regularly. Nausea and pain may be alleviated through administration of medications. The diet may also be modified for a few days. In some cases, digestive enzymes are given to the cat in the form of supplements. It is difficult to cure chronic feline pancreatitis completely. Cats with this condition require a great deal of care. Proper cat diet and medication is necessary to manage the symptoms caused by this disease. In many cases, once a cat survives acute pancreatitis, there are very few chances of it occurring again. For recurring pancreatitis, the vet may prescribe ongoing antibiotic medication.

People of Likoma Island have been warned against drying fish on bednets because the insecticide the nets are treated with is harmful when swallowed.

The island’s Malaria Control Programme coordinator Stephano Kaunda gave the warning on Tuesday during a campaign held together with the Canadian Physician for Aid and Relief (CPAR) in the northern Malawi district.

Kaunda said the insecticide gets removed when the net is soaked; hence, can contaminate the fish as they dry.

Most Likoma fishermen dry silver fish on mosquito nets, arguing that it is more effective than drying on mats.

Said Kaunda: “The aim of the meeting was to give the islanders a forum for sharing knowledge on the change of treatment of malaria. but we have also noted with concern that people dry fish on the treated mosquito nets, meaning they are ignorant of the hazardous chemical found in them.” 

CPAR project officer Allan Kumwenda advised women to rush to hospital when they experience malaria symptoms.

Group Village Head Chalunda hailed Malaria Control Programme in Likoma for the awareness campaign, saying most of her subjects were ignorant of the dangers of drying fish on mosquito nets.

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