Don’t let malaria spoil your African holiday

Malaria is a nasty disease prevalent in large parts of Southern Africa. It kills more than one million people per year and 300 million cases are reported annually. 25% of childhood deaths in Africa are caused by malaria. But that doesn’t mean you should rule sub-Saharan Africa out of your holiday plans. Malaria is preventable, provided you take the proper precautions.

When you first book your African holiday, be sure to ask your travel agent if you’ll be going into any malaria zones. If you are, you need to see your doctor to discuss prophylactics. There are a number of anti-malaria drugs available. The one you take will depend on where you’re going, the level of risk and your current level of health. Some areas are resistant to certain types of anti-malaria medicine, so you need to be very specific when you tell your doctor where you’re going. You’ll also need to discuss appropriate prophylactics for any children who will be accompanying you, as well as any pregnant women.

You need to start taking anti-malaria medication 4-6 weeks before you travel. And you need to continue taking it for up to four weeks after you come back. This is because some types of malaria lie dormant for weeks after infection, especially if it is in your liver.

African malaria zones

In South Africa, most cases of malaria occur in the north-east, especially in the Kruger Park. If you’re planning a holiday in the Kruger Park try to time it to coincide with the dry season, as mosquitoes thrive during the rain. The dry season is in winter, from around April to October.

The northernmost parts of Namibia and Botswana also pose a risk, as do all of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya.

Prevention is better than cure

In addition to prophylactics, the best way to prevent malaria is to use your common sense. Invest in a good insect repellent – 20% to 35% DEET is recommended, don’t leave skin exposed, sleep under a net, sleep with the windows and doors closed and spray some insecticide in your room before you go to sleep.

Not only is malaria preventable but it is also curable.

Take the proper precautions and there is no reason why your African holiday can’t be all you dreamt and more.