HEALTH IN BOSWANA :
MALARIA AND MANDATORY VACCINATIONS
A short while ago, we told you about health and malaria in Namibia, so let me follow up with information about another Southern African country that’s one of our dream destinations, Botswana!
South African Travellers, with its years of experience in South Africa, Mozambique, eSwatini, Namibia and Botswana, gives you the best advice and precautions to take before, during and after your stay in one or more of these countries.
Malaria?
What is malaria?
The term malaria comes from the Latin palus (marsh), and malaria from the Italian mal’aria (bad air).
Malaria is a potentially fatal infectious disease caused by several species of parasite belonging to the Plasmodium genus. The parasite is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. These malaria “vector” mosquitoes all belong to the Anopheles genus.
The risk of malaria
The risk of malaria varies according to season and region.seasons and regions.
In any case, I recommend that you protect yourself against mosquito bites.
Whatever region you choose, make sure you have your medical kit ready.
With the help of the small table above, you should be able to see more clearly.
Where is malaria found in Botswana?
Risk of malaria :
High risk
Year-round in areas north of Maun and Pits, including the Okavango Delta and Chobe, Moremi and Sibuyu National Parks.
September to May in the remaining northern half of the country below Maun.
Low risk
June to August in the remaining northern half of the country below Maun.
Upper southern half of the country.
No malaria
Lower southern half of the country, Gaborone.
Minimal risk
South-central half of the country.
How to avoid malaria
In all cases, it is advisable to protect yourself against mosquito bites.
If you’re staying in high-risk areas, it’s essential to take chemoprophylaxis medication before, during and after your stay.
For a stay in a low-risk area, an individual assessment is required, depending on remote areas, pregnant women, children, the elderly, chronic illnesses or other factors.
Obviously, I can’t replace your doctor’s judgement, so I strongly recommend that you seek medical advice. I don’t want to alarm you, I just want to help you achieve the trip of your dreams with complete peace of mind.
How to avoid it?
By using suitable repellents, available from chemists, sports stores, camp sites and other travel outlets.
I suggest you read my article on our blog ” Going on safari: what to pack “, where I advise you to take protective clothing and impregnated mosquito nets.
You can supplement this protection by taking the medication prescribed by your doctor.
Other risks
Food risks are minimal, so avoid raw foods except for fruits and vegetables, which can be peeled. The water is drinkable only in Gaborone, so I advise you to use bottled, sealed water.
And…wash your hands often, before meals, before touching food and after using the toilet.
Don’t attempt to swim in the river or in the crystal-clear waters of the Okawango delta, as the risk of parasites is high.
Vaccination
The following vaccines are recommended for everyone:
Diphtheria, tetanus, measles, polio, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies.
Vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory if you arrive within 6 days from an endemic zone.
What to pack in your first-aid kit
At the very least, a dosette antiseptic, painkiller, fever reducer, anti-diarrheal and intestinal antiseptic.
A broad-spectrum antibiotic, an anti-allergic, an anti-inflammatory, eye drops, an ointment for burns, mosquito repellent, sun cream, a few bandages and plasters, and yourpersonal treatments.
What are the right reflexes?
Symptoms of malaria may appear a few days, weeks or even months after your return from Botswana, and are similar to those of the flu, so please consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Of course, the purpose of this article is to warn you of any health problems you may encounter, but these should in no way prevent you from discovering the wonderful country of Botswana!
We have been a Cape Town-based travel agency for over thirteen years, specializing in tailor-made destinations in Southern Africa. Our rangers will be happy to advise you.
See you soon,
Irina
