Guard against malaria even during the winter
Due to the heavy rains over the past few months, there are many pools of standing water which act as the breeding ground for mosquitoes, the carriers of malaria.
SKUKUZA – With several cases of malaria reported in various provinces, visitors to the Kruger National Park (KNP) and surrounding communities are cautioned to take precautionary measures.
Although malaria season is usually in the summer between October and April, this year seems to be slightly different, according to the SANParks acting head of communications, William Mabasa.
Due to the heavy rains over the past few months, there are many pools of standing water which act as the breeding ground for mosquitoes, the carriers of malaria.
Several cases have been reported, especially in the northern part of the KNP.
“Malaria seems to be on the brink of an outbreak lately, despite the fact that we are 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 it. The park is known to be one of the malaria-endemic areas in this country,” said Mabasa.
They hope the situation will improve once mosquitoes begin to hibernate in winter.
To guard against mosquitoes, ensure that you wear long-sleeved clothing and use repellent on the skin that is not covered.
Doors and windows should be kept closed and the inside of your dwelling, hut or bungalow (for visitors) should be sprayed with insecticide.
Community members can get mosquito-repellent to spray around the outside of their house or request that the municipality send the relevant service provider to your property.
The first symptoms are very similar to flu, such as fever and sweating, chills, headache, nausea and vomiting.
If you have been travelling in a high-risk area, it is advisable to go for a blood test as soon as possible, so that you can be treated before your condition worsens.
March and April are the months with the highest risk, but malaria can be contracted any time of the year. This means that you should implement preventative measures all year.
There are medical doctors permanently based in Skukuza and visitors can contact them on 013-735-5638 for information and advice before their visit to the KNP.
