Showing posts with label malaria advisory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label malaria advisory. Show all posts

18 May 2017

Kruger National Park advises visitors to take malaria precautions!

South African National Parks (SANParks) advises the public to take precautionary measures against Malaria before visiting Kruger National Park. Due to the heavy rain received this year, there are pools of water in abundance everywhere and the Park is experiencing Malaria cases especially in the northern part. Although classified as a low risk area, Kruger National Park is situated in a malaria area.
SANParks Acting Head of Communications, William Mabasa, said in a statement issued today:

"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. We therefore would like to advise visitors to take the necessary precautions which include the use of prophylaxes and vaccinations in consultation with their doctors to prevent the possibility of contracting Malaria as Kruger National Park is known to be one of the Malaria endemic areas in this country." [src.]
He further said that 
"although Malaria can be contracted at any time of the year the Malaria season in this country is October to April, with March and April 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." [src.]
There are medical doctors permanently based at Skukuza Rest Camp. The public can also consult them for information and advice prior to their visit to the Kruger National Park on telephone number +27 735 5638.



29 March 2017

South Africa: South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) issued official malaria advisory!

South Africa is currently experiencing its annunal malaria season, which usually occurs during the rainy months between September and May. The South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has therefore issued an official malaria advisory to remind travellers visiting any of the malaria areas within or outside of South Africa to take additional precautions and maintain a higher index of suspicion.

National Institute for Communicable Diseases | Alerts | Malaria advisory - March 2017

The NICD (National Institute for Communicable Diseases) is a division of the NHLS (National Health Laboratory Service).


Also read: 
- Malaria focus in western Waterberg, Limpopo Province - No new cases of locally acquired malaria
- Odyssean malaria: Tshwane, Gauteng Province and Swartruggens, North West Province