Worried about Malaria?
Yes, malarial mosquitos (of the Anopheles genus) are found throughout much of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia (generally north of Swakopmund), Mozambique, South Africa (Kruger Park and surrounds, northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, for example)…. But don’t let this put you off your African Safari!
It is only the female mosquito that bites, as she just needs blood in order to produce eggs. The actual insect is just an irritation, but not the problem... that is the job of the parasite (various species of Plasmodium) that she might be carrying. It is the parasite that actually causes malaria. Of the 4 species, it is P. falciparum that causes the potentially deadly Cerebral Malaria. The other 4 species (malariae, vivax, ovale and knowlesi) cause a malaria that can recur over a number of years.
Malarial transmission is at its highest during the warmer and wetter months of November to April, and the mosquitos are general active in the early evening and throughout the night, at the times when you are usually sleeping or sitting around the campfire. The best prevention is to avoid being bitten (!), therefore a mosquito repellent is recommended (Lodges generally provide a good spray version). We also suggest that you wear long-sleeved shirts/ blouses and slacks/ trousers in the evening – as this aids in bite prevention.
As the mosquito picks up the parasite when it bites and already infected person, the risk of spreading tend to be higher in areas where there are more people. But this does mean that you should take the potential for getting infected lightly should you be spending most of your time in remote areas.
In terms of medication to prevent Malaria – please consult your Doctor or local Travel Clinic for the most up to date information, before you travel, as the actual parasites (and there are five species) that cause the malaria can become immune to some of the medication.
Also, some people have different reactions to some of the anti-malarial medication and your home country might also have varying regulations regarding whether the medication can be over-the-counter, or has to be prescribed. Additionally, some medication needs to be taken daily, whilst others are taken weekly. Also, the trade name of the prophylaxis might change in different countries.
It is only the female mosquito that bites, as she just needs blood in order to produce eggs. The actual insect is just an irritation, but not the problem... that is the job of the parasite (various species of Plasmodium) that she might be carrying. It is the parasite that actually causes malaria. Of the 4 species, it is P. falciparum that causes the potentially deadly Cerebral Malaria. The other 4 species (malariae, vivax, ovale and knowlesi) cause a malaria that can recur over a number of years.
Malarial transmission is at its highest during the warmer and wetter months of November to April, and the mosquitos are general active in the early evening and throughout the night, at the times when you are usually sleeping or sitting around the campfire. The best prevention is to avoid being bitten (!), therefore a mosquito repellent is recommended (Lodges generally provide a good spray version). We also suggest that you wear long-sleeved shirts/ blouses and slacks/ trousers in the evening – as this aids in bite prevention.
As the mosquito picks up the parasite when it bites and already infected person, the risk of spreading tend to be higher in areas where there are more people. But this does mean that you should take the potential for getting infected lightly should you be spending most of your time in remote areas.
In terms of medication to prevent Malaria – please consult your Doctor or local Travel Clinic for the most up to date information, before you travel, as the actual parasites (and there are five species) that cause the malaria can become immune to some of the medication.
Also, some people have different reactions to some of the anti-malarial medication and your home country might also have varying regulations regarding whether the medication can be over-the-counter, or has to be prescribed. Additionally, some medication needs to be taken daily, whilst others are taken weekly. Also, the trade name of the prophylaxis might change in different countries.
