If you live in a country where malaria is present, you’ll likely be aware of the symptoms and what to look out for. But some of the symptoms of malaria are similar to those of COVID-19, so how can we tell the difference? And how can we protect ourselves from both?

Dr Elvis Eze, a medical doctor and youth ambassador for Malaria No More UK explains the difference and tells us what to do to help keep ourselves and our families safe. 

While COVID-19 is caused by a virus that can pass from person to person, malaria is caused by a parasite spread by mosquitoes.

Dr Eze tells us that both diseases are better prevented than treated, so we should wear a mask and maintain social distancing to protect ourselves from COVID-19, and sleep under an insecticide treated net to help protect against malaria. And if you think you might have symptoms of either disease, do not self-medicate. Make sure you seek medical advice, get tested and treated.

Stay safe.