Residents of Matungulu and Kangundo sub-counties on Saturday joined the rest of the world in celebrating Worlds’ Malaria Day.
However the region residents had a reason to smile as the percentage of malaria infection in the area has gone down in the past annual year.
Speaking on Saturday in Matungulu town during the celebrations, Maungulu area Health Director Virginia Nzau stated that malaria cases reported in the past year had reduced.
“As we celebrate World’s Malaria Day we are happy to note that cases of malaria infection and deaths has gone down in our region,” reported Nzau.
Nzau cautioned the residents against taking malaria medications without being tested by a doctor and verifying what sickness they are ailing from. She said this following many cases where many residents go to chemists to buy malaria drugs whenever they feel headache.
“There are people who when they fall sick they assume its malaria and take doses for the same. You should see a doctor and get tested to know if it is malaria or another sickness. Traditional herbs are not advisable because you cannot be sure of the side effects,” advised Nzau.
Elsewhere, speaking during a similar event in Kangundo town, the town Health Officer Robert Kilonzo urged the residents to sleep under treated mosquito nets to avoid getting malaria at all costs.