I just read an article today that stated malaria is a problem in Kruger Park. Is this just some scare tactic or is it for real?
Thanks,
Joy

Hi Joy

Malaria is certainly a possibility in the Sabi Sands which is next to Kruger, so I am going to say this would be true. Malaria is certainly not an issue to ignore so go to your travel doctor to see what suits you best!

Kind regards

Kaye

It's real. Check the risk map at: http://www.malaria.org.za/Malaria_Ri.../risk_maps.htm

Most visitors will take prophylaxis to prevent malaria.

But let me add that you shouldn't not go because there is a rsik. I came across the abstract below which provides at least two very interesting bits of information for visitors to Sabi Sand/Kruger: malaria risk assessments are based on incidences in local communities (meaning, I believe, that long-term antimalarial drug use is unlikely) and that only 4.5 cases in 10,000 visitors (a low percentage) were observed in April (high season for malaria).

The abstract suggests that prophylaxis plus some additional care (long pants and sleeves at dawn and evening, along with some repellent spraying of the ankles) makes the malaria risk very low, especially during the low season.

http://www.cababstractsplus.org/abst...No=19991800738

Kruger is a malaria zone. Prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

Joy I assume you are American and therefore I would advise you to take malaria prophylaxis as this is common practice

I am German having many friends who regularly visit Sabi Sands and Kruger and we all estimate the risk depending on season and precautions to be taken besides swallowing drugs for a low risk area and only for a short term.

When we travel in dry season we use DEED and cover our arms/legs and spray neck etc. We always travel with a stand-by drug in case symptoms occur.
We don't swallow any drugs just for the unlikelihood there might be anopheles around. And even IF you swallow - you are not protected at all! You should take other precautions as well!

We do it for at least 15 years without any incident.

SV

Thank you all. I'm calling my doctor this morning.

If you have a travel clinic near you, it is a better choice than your regular doctor. They have all the info on hand from the CDC and know the correct dosage and time frame requirements.

Check out the SanParks website. They are pretty specific about being a malaria area.

If you are staying in a lodge in the private game reserves around Kruger, they all have mossie spray. I use it liberally, and I also bring my own just in case. And take it on your game drives so you can re-apply.