Cloth wraps treated with permethrin cut malaria cases in babies

A randomized trial in western Uganda found permethrin‑treated cloth wraps reduced malaria cases in infants by about two‑thirds over six months; infants in the treated group had a slightly higher rate of mild rashes (8.5% v 6%).

Researchers in Kasese, western Uganda, tested whether cloth wraps treated with the insect repellent permethrin could reduce malaria in infants. The trial enrolled 400 mothers and their babies, around six months old, and followed them for six months. Half the participants received locally used wraps (lesus) treated with permethrin and half received untreated wraps dipped in water as a sham control. Wraps were re‑treated monthly while researchers recorded malaria outcomes in the infants. Key findings: - Trial size and setting: 400 mothers and infants in Kasese, western Uganda, followed for six months. - Intervention: half the group used permethrin‑treated wraps and half used untreated sham wraps; treated wraps were re‑applied once a month. - Malaria incidence: infants in the treated group had 0.73 cases per 100 babies per week versus 2.14 in the control group, a reduction of about two‑thirds. - Safety: slightly more infants in the treated group had rashes (8.5% v 6%), and no participants withdrew because of skin reactions. - Context and interest: World Health Organization and Ugandan health officials showed interest, and the study builds on earlier findings from treated shawls in other settings. Summary: The trial indicates permethrin‑impregnated cloth wraps reduced malaria cases among infants carried by their mothers in this study population. Researchers said further trials in other settings and additional safety confirmation are needed before any wider rollout, and funding for larger studies has not yet been secured.