Malaria information

Very often we receive a requests and questions on malaria - where, when and how to protect yourself. We decided to publish this information from Ministry of Health and Social Services of Namibia as a short guideline for your reference. Namibia is a very healthy country and it is unlikely you will have any health issues while travelling here. However it is always worth taking precautions, so here is some information which may help. Malaria in Namibia is mainly found in the Northern areas of the country, although it has also been reported in the central region and occasionally in the South. The north of Namibia (from Etosha Park northwards) is a malaria area and prophylaxis should be taken particularly during the summer months. The rest of the Namibia poses practically no risk at all. Your doctor should advise you on the best prophylaxis for the area of travel and your personal requirements. Malaria is transmitted by the bite of an infective mosquito, which usually bites after dark. Tourists in Namibia can help to reduce the risk of malaria by using personal protection measures and prophylaxis The best way to avoid malaria is to avoid being bitten by Anopheles mosquitoes which carry the parasite. Only the females of one species carry the parasite, however it is virtually impossible to tell if a mosquito is a female Anopheles or not, so we recommend avoiding all mosquitoes. The little blighters usually bite between sunset and sunrise, so make sure that you are covered up during this time! Some tips are to wear loose fitting, long sleeved shirts and trousers, use a good insect repellent and sleep underneath a mosquito net . If you do develop flu-like symptoms, or feel at all unwell, during your holiday or after your return home, you must make sure that your doctor knows that you have recently travelled in a malaria area. Malaria is not a serious problem provided people take adequate precautions and seek advice and treatment immediately if they feel unwell. Namibia's major private hospitals are of a good standard with clean and safe facilities. However, serious medical cases will be evacuated by air to South Africa where further facilities are available. For this reason you must make sure that comprehensive travel insurance is taken out before you travel, this insurance should cover any medical expenses, air evacuation and repatriation if necessary. Fever, rigors (shivering), headaches, backaches, diarrhoea and/or vomiting and malaise. The following measures are effective in reducing the risk of mosquito bites: * Sleeping under a mosquito bednet when mosquitoes are active at night, especially between 20:00 - 6:00 h. Nets treated with harmless insecticides will further increase protection. Bednets are available in the local shops. * If possible avoid outgoing between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes commonly bite. * Wearing long sleeved clothing and trousers. Dark colours attract mosquitoes. * Burning coils and pellets containing the insect repellent pyrethrum. * Applying mosquito repellents to exposed skin and clothing. Those containing diethyl toluamide (deet) or dimethyl phthalate are the best. * Using insecticide sprays is effective if entry of mosquitoes into the room is prevented. * Sleeping in rooms with windows and doors screened with mosquito netting. Keep windows and doors closed. The World Health Organisation's recommendation for travellers to Namibia and from non - malarious areas within Namibia is Chloroquine and Proguanil. Adults (including pregnant women) - 2 tablets weekly (300 mg base), beginning one week before start travelling, continuing once weekly while in the malarious area and for six weeks after leaving the malarious area. Children: 5 mg/kg body weight taken at the same intervals as per adults. Fully breastfed babies - half the recommended dose for children (2.5 mg /kg). Partially breastfed babies (less than four feeds per day) - the full recommended dose for children. Adults (including pregnant women) - tablets daily (200 mg base), beginning one day before travel, continuing daily while in the malarious area and for six weeks after leaving the malarious area. Children: 3 mg/kg body weight taken at the same intervals as per adults. Fully breastfed babies - half the recommended dose for children (1.5 mg /kg). Partially breastfed babies (less than four feeds per day) - the full recom- mended dose for children. Proguanil is to be used in addition to Chloroquine and not as an alternative. It is always advisable to consult your doctor before beginning of prophilaxis. Prophylaxis may not provide complete protection against malaria, particularly with the spread of chloroquine resistant Plasodium falciparum malaria. If you follow these precautions the risk will be small and nothing else will spoil enjoyment of your trip.

Source: http://www.outdoor-adventure-namibia.de/_download/Malaria_Information_e.pdf