Malaria is a potentially fatal illness of tropical
and subtropical regions. Within South Africa's borders the disease
is encountered mainly in northern and eastern Mpumalanga, northern
Kwa-Zulu Natal, and the border areas of the Northern and North West
provinces. Considering South Africa's neighbours, malaria is also
considered to be a threat to travellers visiting the lower lying areas
of Swaziland, while it is encountered throughout Mozambique and Zimbabwe,
and much of Botswana. Northern Namibia is also a malarious area. Within
South Africa's borders, malaria transmission is at its highest during
the warmer and wetter months of November through to April. From May
through to October the risks of acquiring malaria are reduced. Prevention
of malaria relies upon adopting personal protection measures designed
to reduce the chances of attracting a mosquito bite, and the use of
appropriate anti-malarial medication. Both personal protection methods
and anti-malarial medication are important, and neither should be
neglected at the expense of the other. There are a number of different
types of anti-malarial tablets available. Choosing one depends both
upon the particular area being visited, and the traveller's own medical
history. Within South Africa's borders, SAA Netcare Travel Clinics
recommend either Mefloquine (Mefliam) or Doxycycline as being the
most effective anti-malarial tablets. Both of these drugs require
a prescription. Please consult your personal doctor before travelling
to the malaria risk areas. Most of the malaria found within Southern
Africa is of the falciparum species. This is potentially the most
dangerous species of malaria, and can prove rapidly fatal. Symptoms
may develop as soon as seven days after arrival in a malarious area,
or as long as six months after leaving malarious area. Symptoms of
malaria are often beguilingly mild in the initial stages, resembling
influenza. Symptoms of malaria may include a generalised body ache,
tiredness, headache, sore throat, diarrhoea, and fever. Any traveller
deloping influenza like symptoms or fever within three months of return
from a malarious area should be tested for malaria, even if taking
preventive measures.
For further information please click www.travelclinic.co.za/html/malaria.html
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