Every puddle of stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Here’s how to get through the rainy season while minimizing risks.
The rain is back, and with it come the mosquitoes. They only need a little stagnant water, sometimes the bottom of a forgotten bucket, to lay eggs and multiply. It is during and just after the rainy season that malaria cases are most numerous. Good news: the protective measures are simple, and most cost nothing.
1. Remove stagnant water around the house
This is the most effective and most forgotten action. Mosquitoes lay eggs in calm waters, even in very small amounts. Every week, walk around the property and empty or turn over:
- buckets, basins, unsealed containers, and barrels
- old tires, cans, bags, and caps
- saucers under flower pots
- puddles and ruts near the yard
Cover water reserves and fill in depressions where water collects.
2. Sleep under a mosquito net, the whole family, every night
The treated mosquito net remains the most important tool. A few useful reminders:
- Tuck it well under the mat or mattress on all sides.
- Check that it is not torn, and repair any snags.
- Use it year-round, including during the dry season.
- Wash it gently, without scrubbing, and let it dry in the shade to preserve the insecticide.
3. Protect the skin with MAÏA at dusk
Between 5 PM and bedtime, the family is awake, often outside, and unprotected. This is when mosquitoes start to bite. Apply protection on exposed skin in the late afternoon, and favor long, light clothing for children playing outside in the evening.
4. Consider chemoprevention for young children
In Sahel countries, including Burkina Faso, children aged 3 to 59 months can receive free preventive medication during the rainy season, administered monthly by health agents. This seasonal malaria chemoprevention significantly reduces severe cases. Check with your health center for the dates of visits in your neighborhood or village.
5. In case of fever, test, don't guess
Any fever during the rainy season should lead to a rapid diagnostic test at the health center or with a trained community agent. In case of convulsions, abnormal drowsiness, repeated vomiting, or if the child can no longer drink, go immediately to the health center.
An evening ritual that protects
Many families already apply an ointment to their children after the evening bath. MAÏA builds on this gesture: it is a moisturizing ointment with shea butter, cotton oil, and beeswax, which also repels mosquitoes during the evening. It complements the mosquito net, without changing your habits.
Sources: WHO, World Malaria Report 2025; WHO recommendations on seasonal malaria chemoprevention.