Malaria

Malaria, a vector-borne infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites carried by mosquitos, is a word many people associate with game parks in Africa.  However, only two of the South African National Parks are in a malaria risk area, that of Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park, although at both these venues the risk is usually low and seasonal.  Historically there have been incidences of malaria in other parks, but then there are recorded incidences of malaria from urban Europe and other non-risk areas.

Most malaria areas have reintroduced the careful use of DDT, one of the best known synthetic pesticides, and this had a huge decrease in malaria cases.

Perhaps something to ponder, the threat of malaria should not affect your decision to enjoy and experience the beauty South Africa has to offer, but is just something one should be aware of and take the necessary precautions of prevention.

The following precautions can be taken:

• Visit a medical doctor for advice on the prevention of Malaria.
• The use of insect repellants will reduce your risk significantly.
• Malaria is a treatable and preventable disease and therefore you should cautious, but not alarmed.

Resources on Malaria

• Global Malaria Programme (GMP)
• Wikipedia
• World Health Organization

Sources

• South African National Parks
• Wikipedia