Mosquito Hotspots of South Africa

Endemic transmission of malaria takes place in some of South Africa’s travel destinations. The areas we refer to include the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and the Kruger National Park. It also includes private game reserves.

South Africa offers much inspirational travelling. It is the perfect destination for the most spectacular wildlife, mountains, and coastlines. Large cities in Southern Africa are malaria-free destinations. They are safe for visitors of all ages.

Why it is Important to Know South Africa’s Malaria Areas

Mosquitoes spread diseases in humans that can be life threatening. In some areas, there is a risk of Dengue transmission or the transmission of other serious diseases. But in South Africa, the most serious disease mosquitoes spread is Malaria.

It’s important to know which areas are high-risk for malarial infection through mosquito bites so that you can take the necessary precautions before entering these areas. In high-risk areas, insect repellent alone won’t be enough.

What Risk Areas Are There?

We categorise malaria risk areas into three: high, intermediate, and low-risk areas. With the right knowledge, you will have a good idea when to travel throughout Southern Africa safely. You will also know what to do before visiting the different places.

1. High-Risk Areas of Southern Africa

• North-eastern Limpopo. This is along the Mozambique border and the border of Zimbabwe are risk areas.
• We also consider the far northern region of Kwa-Zulu Natal high-risk.
• Others are the Lowveld of Mpumalanga. This includes the Kruger but excludes Mbombela and the immediate surrounding areas of Mbombela. Risk of contracting malaria depends on the camps visited in the Kruger National Park.

2. Intermediate-Risk Areas of Southern Africa

• You can find intermediate transmission intensity in Kosi Bay and Mkuze Game Reserve.
• You will also find intermediate intensity in the St. Lucia Lake area.
• We also include Sodwana Bay in this category.
• The town of St. Lucia and the river mouth are not malaria risk areas.

Mosquito breeding intensity is seasonal in these areas. you can avoid mosquito disease vectors by taking the right preventative measures.

Always check with your health care provider before visiting areas where exposure to malaria transmission is a possibility. Anti-malarial drugs are advisable for high-risk individuals, especially during the months from October through to May.

3. Low-Risk Areas of Southern Africa

There is no potential risk in these areas.

• The North-west province and the Northern Cape, and along the Orange River and the Molopo River. This includes the Augrabies Falls area.
• Low-risk areas also include the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

There is no need to take anti-malarial medication when exploring these areas. It is still advisable to prevent mosquito bites when visiting these areas. Use Mosquito repellent like Mozzie Patches, make use of mosquito nets, and wear the right clothing.

Preventing Mosquito Bites Lies in the Smaller Details

By putting a couple of small preventative steps in place, you will prevent mosquito bites no matter which area you visit. Here are some small measures you can take:

• Wearing long-sleeved, cotton shirts and long cotton trousers is a great deterrent. Mosquitoes can bite through cloth. Tight-fitting garments encourage mosquito bites.
• Wearing Mozzie Patches is another way to fight the bite. Our patches are 100% natural, and they last up to 36 hours!
• Remove stagnant pools of water wherever possible to avoid mosquito breeding spots.
• Sleeping under a mosquito net also helps.
• An electric fan is another excellent deterrent. The wings of mosquitoes are fragile, which makes it difficult for indoor mosquitoes.

Who is Considered High-Risk for Malaria-Endemic Areas?

Certain individuals need to take extra care against getting bitten by vector mosquitoes when visiting high-risk areas in Sub-Saharan Africa. These include:

1. Young children up to the age of 5 years.
2. Adults over the age of 65 years.
3. Pregnant women.
4. Individuals taking chronic medication such as long-term steroids.
5. Individuals receiving chemotherapy.
6. Individuals on antiretrovirals, such as those with AIDS/HIV.
7. Sufferers of porphyria and epilepsy.
8. Individuals without a spleen.

Learn more about How to prevent mosquito bites when traveling out of season in four steps.

Why Use Prophylactics and How Do They Help Prevent Malaria?

Ask your healthcare provider about taking malaria prophylaxis. Prophylactics should prevent any adverse events if you get bitten by an infected mosquito.

It is important to follow the package insert to the letter. Take prophylactics 1 or 2 weeks before to prevent endemic transmission. Continuing to take anti-malarial drugs four weeks after leaving malarial hotspots is important.

Speak to your health care provider if you experience side effects from prophylactic medication.

What to Do When You Get Home?

Individuals can still contract malaria after leaving endemic areas thanks to hitch-hiking mosquitoes and latent viral infection in the body. This can happen even if they have taken the correct medication and precautions. Note that you can contract malaria for up to 6 months after visiting malaria hotspots.

An unexplained fever, joint and muscular pain, and fatigue are some symptoms. Consult your health care provider if you show these and other flu-like symptoms. An early formal analysis of malaria is important.

Which Months Are High Malaria Season?

Malaria is seasonal. There are certain times of the year that one should avoid. Future climate scenarios would probably have an effect on these times.

There are distinct low-risk and moderate and high-risk malarial periods. Plan your travels accordingly. Seasonal transmission for moderate and high-risk malaria falls between November through to May. Malaria season reaches its peak between from January to April.

The months of June, July, August, September, and October are considered low-risk periods.

Prevent Mosquito Bites Through the Year with Mozzie Patches

No matter the season or where you travel to, Mozzie Patches will help you avoid mosquito bites. Shop Mozzie Patches now and prevent bites. Repellents and preventative measures will ensure you and your family stay safe and bug free. Get your Mozzie Patches and enjoy a buzz-free travel experience.