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Carrying babies in cloth treated with insecticide reduces malaria cases


Carrying babies in cloth treated with insecticide reduces malaria cases

Applying an insecticide treatment used for soldiers’ uniforms to the cloths used to carry babies significantly reduced incidence of malaria in the children, researchers found.

The six-month study conducted in regions of Uganda where malaria is endemic included 400 mothers and their babies, ages 6 months to 18 months. Half were randomly assigned to use cotton cloth wraps treated with Sawyer Products’ permethrin, while the others received cloths treated with plain water as a control group. The wraps underwent retreatment every 4 weeks.

All of the pairs received insecticide-treated sleeping nets.

The permethrin-treated baby wraps reduced malaria cases in infants by 66%, according to a report of the study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Adverse events were mild, and the frequency was low and similar in the treatment group and the sham group, the report said.

“Given the anticipated duration and frequency of use... extended follow-up of children, particularly for neurodevelopmental effects of permethrin exposure, is needed,” the researchers acknowledge.

“Yet malaria, both severe and uncomplicated forms, can cause long-term cognitive impairment, and a careful weighing of potential risks and benefits will be required.”  — Reuters

Tags: Malaria