High-Risk Malaria Areas in South Africa and Why They Are High Risk

Take a Quick Glance to See Which Areas Are High Risk!

• High-Risk Malaria Areas in South Africa include the Kruger National Park, game reserves adjacent to the Kruger, and the far north areas of Zululand areas. These include the Ndumo and the Tembe Elephant Park.
• The low altitude areas of Mpumalanga Province are high risk.
• The low altitude areas of Limpopo Province are also high in malaria.
• The north-eastern areas of KwaZulu-Natal carry a high risk.
• Malaria reports state that very few incidents of malaria occur in the North-West Province. The same applies to the Northern Cape.

Listed Below Are Intermediate Malaria Spots. We Also Discuss Which Ones Are Low-Risk:

The good news is that South Africa is one of 4 countries in the SADC area (Southern African Development Community) with relatively low malaria risk. This is thanks to its efforts to target malaria elimination. The aim is for zero local malaria transmission by 2023.

A key challenge for control efforts is the control of the high number of migrant workers. Migrant workers cross over the borders from neighbouring countries. Many of these surrounding territories are considered high malaria endemic spots.

Which Areas in South Africa are Intermediate Malaria Areas?

Intermediate risk areas include the Lowveld areas west of Kruger Park in the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. They are also the Kwa-Zulu Natal areas of Hluhluwe, Mkuze, St Lucia and north of St Lucia, stretching up to Kosi Bay. They do not include the St Lucia River mouth or the town of St. Lucia. Intermediate areas of risk also include Kosi Bay and Sodwana Bay.

Which Are South Africa's Low-Risk Malaria Areas?

Visitors don't need to take anti-malarial meds when travelling to low-risk areas. However, bugs and mozzies are still a nuisance. Don't let mozzies spoil your outdoor activities this summer. Get the protection and enjoy the peace. South Africans love the great outdoors. Be sure to have a bug-free experience as the weather warms up.

1. Low-risk areas include North-West Province and the Northern Cape. This is the area along the Orange and Molopo Rivers. Pitch your tent in peace and enjoy warm nights under the African sky!
2. Other low-risk areas are the Augrabies Falls and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. (Don't forget to keep out for the rare black-maned lions in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park).
3. All the above areas are a draw card and popular amongst tourists and visitors.
4. Rates of the disease are low in these areas and malaria is only occasionally transmitted here.

Take Precautions, Regardless. Prevention is Better than Cure!

The Department of Health has urged any population at risk to take the necessary precautions. This will minimise the risk of severe disease. Get medical care if you show any symptoms. This is important if you have visited a high-risk area.

Signs of malaria manifest as flu-like symptoms. These include fever, shaking chills, headaches, muscle aches, and tiredness. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Protection Against Malaria when Travelling in Southern Africa

It's smart to take the proper precautions against mosquito bites, such as medications, insect repellents and Mozzie Patches. Use these when travelling, especially when exploring mosquito hotspots.

The most common medications people can take to help protect them against malaria infection are prophylaxis. Also, remember to use appropriate mosquito repellents. Mozzie Patches are perfect for the whole family! Plus, did you know that they can last for 36 hours? Everyone over the age of 18 months can use them, as they are 100% natural.

Take note that the high-risk season for malaria in South Africa is from September through to May. Try planning your road trip or camping holiday outside these seasons. Taking chemoprophylaxis (malaria meds), in the higher-risk areas is recommended.

Visitors are advised to prevent mosquito bites and take precautionary drugs. Prevent getting bitten wherever possible. Use mosquito nets and avoid being out from dawn to dusk.

• Apply repellents. Mozzie Patches will keep mozzies away for up to 36 hours. They are 100% natural. The nice thing about Mozzie Patches is that you can swim and shower with them on!
• Wear loose, light clothing when travelling through malaria areas. Mosquitoes can bite through clothes. Avoid tight clothing for this reason. High-risk months should be avoided from October to May.
• Check what antimalarial drugs should be taken. Ask your doctor about medication before travelling to these places. When planning that awesome road trip or camping holiday - remember to pack in Mozzie Patches to stop the buzz.

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease. It is both preventable and curable. All it takes is a little extra care when visiting high-risk areas.

Vigilance is Key When Taking Prophylaxis

Following the instructions when taking prophylaxis is essential. Start treatment a week or two before setting out on that much-deserved road trip. We love to camp and hike, braai and explore. Ensure you do this safely.

Mozzie Patches are Making a Difference for Travellers this Year!

Did you know that malaria can occur up to six months after leaving a malaria spot? All malaria control efforts should be taken when visiting these South African places. Precautions taken include wearing the right clothes, using repellents, applying Mozzie Skin Patches, and staying indoors whenever possible.

Plan your road trip around low malarial seasons for the best and safest experience. Find out more about Mozzie Skin Patches and the benefits of wearing them this summer. They are great for keeping bugs in check. It's time to enjoy the warm weather without the buzzing.