| Malaria
is a word many people associate with game parks in Africa. However only
two of the South African National Parks are in a malaria risk area and
they are the Kruger
National Park and Mapungubwe
National Park, although at both these venues the risk is usually low.
Historically there have been incidences of malaria in other parks, but
then there are recorded incidences of malaria from urban Europe and other
non-risk areas. But to all intents and purposes Kruger is the only malaria
risk park in the SANParks’ set-up.
Anti-malaria prophylactics
are thus recommended for visitors for Kruger. The highest risk period
is between December and April (end of the rainy season). A 24-hour
malaria hotline is available on +27 (0)82 234 1800 to give detailed explanation
on risk and advice on precautionary measures. Visitors wishing
to take prophylactics should consult a knowledgeable medical practitioner
or recognized travel clinic about recommended medication, as certain products
cause nausea, hallucinations or other negative side effects with certain
people.
Very often (particularly after
periods of low rainfall) the malaria risk in Kruger is very low. Many
people decide not to take prophylactics and rather try to avoid getting
bitten. The most vulnerable times are between dusk and dawn. People are
advised to stay indoors during these periods, or cover exposed skin with
light clothing or insect repellants. The ankles are the most critical
area. Burning anti-mosquito coils and ensuring netted screens are kept
closed are other preventative measures.
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, until the symptoms clear
or an alternative diagnosis is made. It is important to advise medical
practitioners that you have been in a malaria area to avoid incorrect
diagnosis.
On the question of prophylactics,
no drug is guaranteed 100% effective, but a combination of chloroquin
(taken weekly first one week before) and paludrin (daily - first 2 days
before) appears to be the most recommended prophylactic. Mefloquin is
a single alternative. These would be available from pharmacies in Johannesburg
and en route to the park (and perhaps for sale at some of the larger rest
camps in the park). However as they should be taken a week in advance,
if one chooses to use them, buying them in SA would be leaving it late,
unless you will be spending time elsewhere in the country (most of which
is malaria free).
The threat of malaria should
not affect your decision to enjoy and experience the Kruger Park, but
is just something one should be aware of and take precautions to be exposed
to.
NB Most types of mosquito do
not carry the malaria plasmodium and if one is bitten it does not mean
one will contract malaria. Only mosquitoes of the anopheles genus carry
the plasmodium, and then only if they have previously fed on an infected
host. As the presence of people with the plasmodium in their bloodstream
in the park is greatly reduced compared to past times, risk is once more
reduced. One reason for these reductions is that the accommodation units
in the parks are sprayed periodically throughout the year. Now that international
campaigns see treatment taking place in adjacent countries such as Mozambique
and Swaziland, malaria occurrence has been further reduced. |
