The SA National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) released an advisory on increased malaria risk in three provinces earlier December, with travellers advised to take precautionary measures if travelling to affected regions. Traveller24 reports that South Africa has seen an alarming rise in malaria cases over the last few months. This spike has been attributed primarily to unseasonably high rainfall and levels of humidity.
The report says many South Africans regard malaria as a problem outside of South Africa’s boarders, however, now malaria cases have become more prevalent in SA, making it increasingly important to increase awareness and educate ourselves about the disease.
The NCID announced that there’s an extended seasonal risk of malaria, with an increase in number of cases of severe malaria, specifically in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal, including the Kruger National Park. Travellers are also advised to look out for symptoms as early diagnosis can prevent death from the deadly disease.
The organisation especially advises safari tour operators taking clients on long safaris to have the necessary medication on hand for when they are far out of reach of medical care. This includes taking preventative malaria medication before the trip, and advising their clients to do the same. You can also spray or soak clothes in permethrin, wear long sleeves and pants and carry mosquito nets and repellants…..more