A Sudden Spike in Malaria Cases in Zimbabwe 🦟
Hey there, science explorers! Did you know that in Zimbabwe, a country in Africa, there’s been a big jump in the number of people getting sick with malaria? Malaria is a disease caused by mosquito bites, and it’s making more people sick than before.
What’s Going On? 🤔
In the first 17 weeks of 2025, Zimbabwe saw over 59,000 malaria cases! That’s a 180% increase compared to the same time in 2024 when there were about 21,000 cases. Sadly, the number of people who died from malaria also went up from 45 to 143.
Why Is This Happening? 🌧️🌡️
There are a few reasons:
- More Rain and Heat: Extra rainfall, humidity, and warmer temperatures make it perfect for mosquitoes to breed.
- Outdoor Activities: More people are working outside doing things like mining, farming, curing tobacco, and trading goods. These activities often happen from dusk to dawn—the time when mosquitoes are most active!
- Remote Areas: Many of these jobs are in places far away from hospitals or clinics. That means people who get sick might not get help quickly, which can be dangerous.
What Are the Symptoms? 🤒
Malaria can make people feel very sick. Here are some signs:
- Fever (feeling very hot)
- Chills (feeling very cold)
- Sweating a lot
What Can Be Done? 💡
The health officials in Zimbabwe are telling everyone to be careful:
- Use mosquito nets when sleeping.
- Wear protective clothing like long sleeves and pants.
- Seek medical help within 24 hours if you feel sick.
Why Should We Care? 🌍
Even if we don’t live in Zimbabwe, learning about malaria is important. It shows how climate and our activities can affect health. Plus, it reminds us to take care of ourselves and others!
Stay Curious and Safe! 🕵️♀️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
