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Malaria is one of the most serious and common tropical diseases in the world. However, there is no reason why this disease should deter you from coming to Africa and experience the wildlife if the necessary precautions are taken. If precautions are not taken and / or if the disease is not diagnosed and treated early, it could be potentially fatal.
Malaria prophylactics are recommended for visitors to parts of South Africa such as the greater Kruger National Park.
Visitors wishing to take prophylactics should consult a knowledgeable medical practitioner or recognized travel clinic (in own Country before travelling to South Africa) about recommended medication, as certain products cause nausea, hallucinations or other negative side effects with certain people.
While malaria prophylactics are recommended, no prophylactic is foolproof and any person developing flu-like symptoms 7 to 20 days (or even longer) after being in malaria areas should be tested immediately for malaria. It is important to advise medical practitioners that you have been in a malaria area to avoid incorrect diagnosis.
Malaria can be prevented in the following ways
The most important and most effective way of preventing malaria is to prevent mosquito bites. The following preventative measures are recommended:
- Remain indoors from dusk to dawn if possible as mosquitoes usually feed in the early evenings and mornings.
- Cover your arms and legs towards evenings to cover exposed skin areas especially the ankles. Wear long sleeved shirts, long trousers, socks and proper shoes.
- Apply insect repellents to exposed skin areas every 4-6 hours.
- Spray knock-down insecticide for flying insects inside the bedroom in the early evening with windows / doors closed if there are no window screens.
- Mosquito nets over beds guard against mosquito bites.
- Clothes and nets impregnated with Pyrethroid could be used.
Take preventative drugs when visiting an endemic area.
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