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Malaria Made Simple: How to Stay Safe on African Safaris
Malaria Made Simple: How to Stay Safe on African Safaris.
The hazards of malaria on African safaris are among the most frequent queries we receive from customers. We lay out every detail regarding this potentially fatal illness in this guide on malaria. We’ll make malaria easy to grasp, covering everything from prevention to transmission and everything in between.
We want to make sure you understand the seriousness of malaria and the importance of taking precautions against it without frightening you. Be aware of the facts. When you go on an African safari, this will help you be ready and stay safe.
Malaria: Essential Information
In regions where malaria is endemic, mosquitoes transmit the deadly tropical disease malaria.
Malaria does not exist in every country. Season, altitude, and vector control (mosquito extermination efforts) are some of the variables at play.
Malaria does not spread from person to person.
Prophylaxis (anti-malaria medication) and non-pharmacological methods (avoidance of bites) can greatly lower the chance of acquiring malaria.
The choice of prophylaxis must be determined individually, in cooperation with a physician, and after considering several criteria such as the patient’s medical history and other medications.
Malaria is more common in pregnant women, and the fetus may be impacted by the illness and its treatment. Pregnant women and those wishing to become pregnant are advised to stay away from malaria hotspots. For fantastic safari choices that stay away from malarial zones, speak with one of our advisers.
Although P. falciparum, the most prevalent and dangerous form of malaria, usually appears in 7–10 days, other forms, such as P. ovale or P. vivax, can take months or years to manifest or result in relapses.
Symptoms of malaria typically include fever and flu-like symptoms. Seek medical attention right once if you develop any symptoms while visiting a malarial region or thereafter.
What is malaria’s life cycle?
The female Anopheles mosquito spreads malaria. The malaria parasite enters the human body through a mosquito bite and travels to the liver, where it multiplies and undergoes alterations. The red blood cells are then infected by the parasites. The person will start to exhibit symptoms at this point.
When a mosquito bites a human at this stage, it can re-transmit the parasite. In the mosquito’s gut, it goes through another life cycle. The parasite then makes its way to the mosquito’s salivary glands, where it begins the cycle anew.
What is the transmission of malaria?
Malaria is spread by female Anopheles mosquito bites, as explained in the lifecycle section above.
Malaria cannot spread from person to person like a cold since it is not communicable. Also, it cannot be spread through sexual contact. And no, eating bad fruit or drinking tainted water cannot cause malaria.
Blood transfusions, organ transplants, and sharing needles with an infected individual are the only additional (very uncommon) ways that the infection might spread. Additionally, during pregnancy or childbirth, it can be transferred from mother to kid.
Additionally, you could contract the disease via an imported mosquito. This could happen if one or more mosquitoes that spread malaria are inadvertently taken from their natural habitat. They might haphazardly infect individuals outside of a conventional malaria risk area. If you stayed close to a big transportation route or center, this might be feasible.
Malaria symptoms
Malaria symptoms typically include fever and resemble flu symptoms, such as fatigue, chills and sweats, headaches, and sore muscles. Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea are also possible. Depending on the strain, symptoms may appear sooner or even a year after infection, although they typically start 10 days to a month later.
If treatment is not received, symptoms may quickly worsen and lead to coma, seizures, kidney failure, mental instability, and even death.
Inform your doctor that you have visited a malaria-endemic area and seek medical attention right away if you experience any symptoms of illness while there or after you have left the area.
How to Diagnose Malaria
The only way to accurately diagnose malaria and determine which strain it is is to examine a blood sample under a microscope. The test needs to be run right away. However, backup therapy should be initiated while you go to the nearest medical institution if you are in a remote location without access to a lab and you exhibit signs of malaria. Don’t wait.
Malaria Treatment
Malaria is curable, and prompt treatment is essential.
Although it is feasible (and prudent) to have standby medication, like Coartem®, in your medical kit, this should never be used as a substitute for medical attention. It may help you if you have simple malaria, but if you have severe malaria, it may spread quickly and you may need to take other medications, including quinine.
We cannot stress this enough: malaria can quickly become severe and be lethal if left untreated or treated incorrectly.
See a doctor right away if you think you may have malaria.
How to Avoid Malaria and Stay Safe While on Safari in Africa
While on safari in Africa, there are several ways to protect oneself from malaria. Even though none of these can completely prevent malaria, taking them all at once will greatly lower your risk.
Non-Medical Interventions
Preventing mosquito bites is the best method of preventing malaria. You can do a lot of things to keep the small animals away, even though it may seem impossible when you’re traveling to Africa to spend time outside:
When the mozzies bite, hide between nightfall and dawn. Remember to bring long sleeves and long pants, ideally in bright colors.
Sleep beneath a mosquito net at all times.
Apply insect repellents to your body and your lodging.
View the National Institute for Communicable Diseases’ list of frequently held misunderstandings regarding malaria.
Preventive measures
When it comes to anti-malarial medications, there are three primary choices. The above-mentioned non-pharmacological interventions should be utilized in conjunction with prophylaxis. The decision over which medication to use must be made individually, in consultation with your healthcare provider.
The selection of medication will be influenced by several factors. These include tolerance to the selected preventive medication, underlying medical conditions, and other medications being taken.
It is especially more important to talk about preventive options with your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your safari if you are traveling with children, are pregnant (or wish to get pregnant), are nursing, have any underlying medical concerns, or are taking any drugs at the same time.
To make sure you can handle it, we recommend beginning your malaria prophylactic well in advance. If you encounter adverse effects, speak with your physician.
Doxycycline is one of the three medications available for selection.
Efracea®, Periostat®, Vibramycin-D®, Vibrox®, Doryx®, Oracea®, and Doxymal® are a few examples of commercial names.
administered every day (100 mg) for four weeks following departure from the malarial area, beginning at least 48 hours prior to arrival and continuing every day while there.
Gastrointestinal side effects (diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea) are the most frequently reported. This can be reduced by taking the drug with the largest meal of the day. Oesophagitis, or burning throat, is another side effect of doxycycline that can be avoided by drinking the medication with a large glass of water and being upright for a bit after taking it.
Doxycycline may affect how well the oral contraceptive pill works. For a few hours, stay away from milk and dairy products since they may interfere with absorption.
Mefloquine
Among the trade names are Mefliam® and Lariam®.
administered once a week (250 mg) beginning at least 10 days prior to travel to the malaria area, once a week (on the same day of the week) while there, and once a week for four weeks following departure.
People with a history of epilepsy, heart issues, or mental health issues should not take mefloquine. Psychiatric side effects from the medication might range from minor anxiety and nightmares to psychosis in the worst situations. If you experience any of these adverse effects, let your doctor know since you might need to switch to a different malaria prevention drug.
Proguanil and Atovaquone
Among the trade names are Numal®, Malarone®, and Malanil®.
taken every day (250 mg/100 mg) for one week after leaving the malaria area, commencing 48 hours before arriving, and continuing every day while there.
Headache, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea are the most frequent adverse effects. Once more, this can be reduced by taking the medication with a large meal.
Where is there a risk of malaria? Africa’s Malaria By Region
Sub-Saharan Africa, which includes nations with warm, humid climates, is where malaria is most commonly transmitted.
Malaria is endemic in every nation that ABS offers safaris to (see below for WHO country-by-country categorization). However, it’s crucial to remember that in many nations—particularly South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana—only a portion of the country has malaria, while other regions are malaria-free.
There are some places where malaria cannot spread:
During the winter
In arid desert regions
At a high elevation
In regions with effective measures to eradicate mosquitoes
Africa
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Travel and Health report lists the malaria regions by nation below. Please be aware that malaria only affects specific areas of some countries. Get in touch with our Monumental Expeditions and Safaris expert, and we will be pleased to assist you if you have any questions regarding where your safari will take you or whether it will include trips to malarial areas.
South Africa
The low-altitude regions of Mpumalanga Province (containing the Kruger National Park), Limpopo Province, and northeast KwaZulu-Natal, as far south as the Tugela River, are at year-round risk of malaria, primarily from P. falciparum. The months of October through May are the riskiest.
From November to June inclusive, the following regions in Namibia are at risk for malaria, primarily from P. falciparum: Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, and Otjozondjupa. The Caprivi and Kavango regions, as well as the Kunene River, are at risk all year round.
From November to May/June, the northern regions of Botswana—Bobirwa, Boteti, Chobe, Ngamiland, Okavango, and Tutume districts/sub-districts—are at risk for malaria, primarily from P. falciparum.
Zimbabwe
Malaria risk, primarily from P. falciparum, is present throughout the year in the Zambezi Valley and from November to June inclusive in regions below 1200 m. There is very little risk in Harare and Bulawayo.
Mozambique The entire nation is under year-round risk of malaria, primarily from P. falciparum.
Malawi is under constant danger for malaria, primarily from P. falciparum, all year round.
The danger of malaria in Zambia is constant throughout the year and is primarily caused by P. falciparum.
Tanzania is under year-round risk for malaria, primarily from P. falciparum, below an elevation of 1800 meters.
Kenya: The entire country is under year-round risk of malaria, primarily from P. falciparum. Nairobi and the highlands (above 2500 m) in the Central, Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Western provinces are generally low risk.
Uganda
All throughout the year, there is a danger of malaria, primarily from P. falciparum.