Game parks in Africa are often associated with the risk of malaria, when in reality, only two parks pose any significant risk. These two parks are the Kruger National Park and the Mapungubwe National Park, and while these two parks have the highest incident rates for malaria, this amount is still fairly low. In the course of history, these two parks aren't the only ones where incidences of malaria has been known to occur, as there are recorded cases of malaria from cities in Europe as well as other non-risk areas.
Kruger National Park is the only park you should ever need to worry about in SANParks' catalogue, therefore it is recommended that visitors to this park take anti-malaria prophylactics. The end of the rainy season poses the highest risk, so between December and April you should be protected. Visitors requiring advice and explanations about the risk of malaria and precautionary measures available can call a 24-hour malaria hotline at +27 (0)82 234 1800. Certain prophylactics may cause negative side effects, such as nausea and hallucinations. Visitors who wish to partake of these medications should consult a recognized travel clinic or a medical practitioner who is familiar with these procedures.
often ( after periods of low rainfall) the malaria risk in Kruger is low. Plenty of people pick not to take prophylactics & try to avoid getting bitten. The most vulnerable times are between dusk & 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 & ensuring netted screens are kept closed are other preventative measures.
While medication is recommended no medicine is foolproof in preventing Malaria. Anyone experiencing flu like systems seven to twenty hours after a visit should seek medical attention immediately.
While no prophylactic is guaranteed to be 100% effective, but the combination of choroquin (taken weekly starting one week before your trip) and paludrin (taken daily starting two days before) is the most recommended combination. Mefloquin is an alternative that can be taken by itself. Pharmacies in Johannesburg, and others on the way to the park, as well as the occasional rest area within the park would carry these medications, but buying at these locations would be cutting it close unless you will be spending time in a lower risk area.
The fear of contracting Malaria should not keep you from enjoying the park, but the threat is something you need to consider.
Most types of Mosquito do not carry the virus, and the ones that do can only carry it if they have previously bitten a carrier of the disease. It is also unlikely that you will contract Malaria in the park because it is sprayed regularly for insects to keep the risk low.
Kruger National Park is the only park you should ever need to worry about in SANParks' catalogue, therefore it is recommended that visitors to this park take anti-malaria prophylactics. The end of the rainy season poses the highest risk, so between December and April you should be protected. Visitors requiring advice and explanations about the risk of malaria and precautionary measures available can call a 24-hour malaria hotline at +27 (0)82 234 1800. Certain prophylactics may cause negative side effects, such as nausea and hallucinations. Visitors who wish to partake of these medications should consult a recognized travel clinic or a medical practitioner who is familiar with these procedures.
often ( after periods of low rainfall) the malaria risk in Kruger is low. Plenty of people pick not to take prophylactics & try to avoid getting bitten. The most vulnerable times are between dusk & 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 & ensuring netted screens are kept closed are other preventative measures.
While medication is recommended no medicine is foolproof in preventing Malaria. Anyone experiencing flu like systems seven to twenty hours after a visit should seek medical attention immediately.
While no prophylactic is guaranteed to be 100% effective, but the combination of choroquin (taken weekly starting one week before your trip) and paludrin (taken daily starting two days before) is the most recommended combination. Mefloquin is an alternative that can be taken by itself. Pharmacies in Johannesburg, and others on the way to the park, as well as the occasional rest area within the park would carry these medications, but buying at these locations would be cutting it close unless you will be spending time in a lower risk area.
The fear of contracting Malaria should not keep you from enjoying the park, but the threat is something you need to consider.
Most types of Mosquito do not carry the virus, and the ones that do can only carry it if they have previously bitten a carrier of the disease. It is also unlikely that you will contract Malaria in the park because it is sprayed regularly for insects to keep the risk low.
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