Friday, 29 March, 2024
HomeSouth AfricaIncreased Kruger Park malaria risk

Increased Kruger Park malaria risk

Heavy rains received this year have increased the risk of malaria in South Africa's Kruger National Park, says a Traveller24 report. Usually classified as a low-risk area, despite being one of the malaria endemic areas in this country, the park is now advising visitors to take the necessary precautionary measures against the disease. ‘There are pools of water in abundance everywhere and the Park is experiencing Malaria cases especially in the northern part of the Park," SANParks says.

The report says in March the province of Limpopo also issued an advisory to for travellers to take the necessary precautions to avoid contracting the disease, which can be fatal is not treated correctly.

‘Malaria seems to be on the brink of an outbreak lately despite the fact that we almost in winter now with some of the country’s provinces reporting hundreds of people who have been admitted and tested positive for the disease in hospitals,’ says SANParks acting head of communications, William Mabasa. Precautionary measures include the use of prophylaxes and vaccinations in consultation with their doctors to prevent the possibility of contracting malaria.

‘By using repellants on the skin, keeping the gauze door and windows close and also ensuring these are not broken as well as spraying the inside of the hut/bungalow with insecticide, the risk of malaria in the Park can be reduced significantly.’

The report says Mabasa also noted that’“although malaria can be contracted at any time of year, March and April are the highest risk period; however this year seems to be slightly different. With winter approaching, mosquitoes which are carriers of the parasite causing malaria, should begin to hibernate and the situation shall possibly improve.’

[link url="http://www.traveller24.com/News/Alerts/kruger-issues-malaria-warning-20170518"]Traveller24 report[/link]

MedicalBrief — our free weekly e-newsletter

We'd appreciate as much information as possible, however only an email address is required.