West Africa flooding carries malaria risk

Unusually heavy rain in West Africa could result in a rise in the number of malaria cases in the region, experts have claimed.

Flooding is occurring in West African countries and this could contribute to higher than expected levels of cholera as well as malaria.

Waterborne diseases are a major threat in nations such as Kenya that are being affected badly by the flooding, Voice of America reports.

Robert Agyarko, the UN Children's Fund specialist on malaria for West and Central Africa, told the news provider that it is vital people take precautions against the disease.

"People are also more exposed as a result of this flooding. People are living out of their houses," he said.

"In normal conditions, it is difficult to get them to sleep under bed nets. And in conditions like this, it will be even more difficult for people to be using the protective measures of bed nets."

Other countries affected by flooding include Ghana, Sudan, Niger, Senegal and Burkina Faso.

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