mosquito net

Infection can be prevented by wearing long-sleeved clothing and using mosquito nets, as well as chemical insect repellents such as DEET.

Researchers say it is 75% effective but health experts recommend using it alongside other malaria prevention tools, such as mosquito nets and insecticides.

Earlier in the month, in a neighbouring village, eight-year-old Utkarsh was sleeping under a mosquito net when his mother spotted a wolf creeping into their hut.

To make life as comfortable as possible, Mr Sa'adu has acquired a mattress, some bedding, a wooden cabinet and a mosquito net.

The tiny midges easily pass through the mesh of mosquito nets, and common insect repellents may not work, Nunes Neto says.