Since May 2017, the National Institute of Communicable diseases (NICD) of South Africa has reported an increase in locally acquired malaria cases in Limpopo (including some cases along the Lephalala River, Waterberg) and Mpumalanga provinces, with a modest rise in cases in the Kruger National Park and private reserves also confirmed. As of 9 March 2018, two cases of malaria have been reported in returning UK travellers who visited the Nsele Private Game Reserve, near Vaalwater, in the Waterberg region of Limpopo. They also visited the Ants Hill/Nest Reserve, near Vaalwater. These areas are normally considered to be free of malaria by South African authorities.

Travellers to the Waterberg area in Limpopo are advised to be aware of the malaria risk, avoid mosquito bites and seek prompt medical advice if high fever develops up to one year after travel.

Malaria tablets are currently recommended from September to May in the low altitude areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo which border Mozambique and Zimbabwe; this includes the Kruger National Park.

Our clinicians will ensure our travel risk assessment covers all areas of risk and the correct advice and medicines are supplied.

Patients are also advised to follow strict bite prevention strategies which include avoid being bitten by:

  • Covering up skin as much as possible if going out at night, (mosquitoes that transmit malaria bite from dusk until dawn). Wear loose fitting clothes, long sleeves, trousers or long skirts.
  • Use insect repellents on exposed skin. Clothes can be sprayed with repellents too or clothing specific sprays eg. permethrin. If using sunscreen always apply first, followed by an insect repellent spray on top.
  • If room is not air conditioned, but is screened, close shutters early evening and spray room with knockdown insecticide spray. In malarious regions, if camping, or sleeping in unprotected accommodation, always sleep under a mosquito net (impregnated with permethrin). Avoid camping near areas of stagnant water, these are common breeding areas for mosquitoes etc.
  • Electric insecticide vaporisers are very effective as long as there are no power failures
  • Homeopathic and herbal medications should NEVER be used as an alternative to conventional measures for malaria prevention.