What is Malaria?

Malaria is an infectious disease that is caused by protozoan parasites. However, it is much more commonly linked to mosquitoes, which are the carriers of the disease. Every year there are an enormous 350-500 million cases of malaria across the world, which lead to between one and three million deaths, most of which are in children. Malaria occurs around the world, but the fact that 90 percent of all malaria deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa shows just how much of an African problem the disease is

How is malaria spread?

Anopheles mosquito

Malaria is spread through the blood, but it is almost always spread through infected mosquitoes. Only Anopheles mosquitoes can carry the parasites that cause the disease. They get these through biting an infected person, and then transfer it to a new person upon biting them. If you avoid blood contact with someone who has malaria and you don’t get bitten by an infected mosquito then you cannot catch the disease.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of malaria can range from slight chills and light-headedness to a fever, nausea and flu-like symptoms. In the most serious cases it can lead to a coma, convulsions and death. Even after treatment malaria can stay in the blood and reoccur throughout the infected person’s life. If you ever experience any of these symptoms when you are in Africa or when you arrive back home then go to the doctor immediately. A simple blood test will confirm whether you have the disease, and the quicker you get treatment the better.

Protection

Malaria is an unpleasant disease to get, but there is no reason for you to worry as long as you take precautions. These include taking anti-malarial drugs up to two weeks before you leave for your photo safari and throughout your time in Africa. These drugs are developing all the time as resistance to certain drugs increases, so make sure you check with your doctor about which is the best option for you. Two of the most commonly used are the antibiotic Doxycycline, which is taken in a daily dose, and Larium, the trade name of Mefloquine, which is taken in one weekly dose. However, Larium can have some unpleasant side effects to always check with your doctor before you start taking it.

As well as taking anti-malaria medication, the most effective way to prevent malaria is to wear insect repellent and long sleeves, especially in the evening when mosquitoes are most likely to bite you. At night you should also sleep under a mosquito net. These are cheap and highly effective, and if you douse it in insect repellent before you leave it will prove even more of a deterrent.

Tsetse Fly

Tsetse flies are bloodsucking flies that are most active during the day in Tanzania and they sting like a bee. To be more specific, it feels like being pierced by a needle!

Every safari traveller experience being stung by a tsetse fly when they are on their game drives. The proboscises that they have to suck blood from their prey – animals or human, are unbelievably long and strong. This can easily penetrate through your clothing and mosquito repellent does not work either. So you will definitely not miss their presence and you can never say you have been on a safari without being bitten by one.

When you are out in the bush for your game drives, most of the safari vehicles are well equipt with a few fly whiskers that rangers give their clients. This is commonly used especially in National Parks where open vehicles are used. These whiskers help prevent tsetse flies from coming too close and too often.

We also usually recommend clients to wear long sleeves, long pants or to dress up in layers for example t-shirt and a light jacket. This will help lessen the direct contact of tsetse flies and therefore, their sting less painful and less noticeable. And it works wonder and you will definitely find your games drives more enjoyable.

Fortunately, tsetse flies do not really carry any harmful bacteria, their bites do not cause you to have any swelling nor leave any marks.  The pain is distracting and causes one to itch a little and scratch a little but all these are absolutely tolerable.

Tsetse bites are all part of any safari holiday but be rest assured that all these will be overpowered by the joy, fun and excitement you feel when you are out in the bush!!

Yellow Fever Vaccination

Required Vaccinations for Tanzania:

1. YELLOW FEVER – this is spread and transmitted through mosquite bites. There are higher risks when you are in rural areas and lower risks in the cities where outbreaks are not as common.

This is the most important vaccination you will need for your journey to Tanzania. You will not be allowed to enter the country without a proof that you have had your vaccination before your trip. The immigration officer at the airport will request that you show your Yellow Fever Certificate. This is given to you by your GP or travel nurse when you get your vaccination in UK or your home country. This certificate becomes valid 10 days after the vaccination and it lasts for up to 10 years.

Children are recommended to have their yellow fever vaccination from 9 months of age.

2.  Diptheria - is transmitted through close respiratory contact with an infected person. The immunization lasts for 10 years.

3. Hepatitis A - is a faecal and oral infection that spreads through the contaminated food and water which causes severe liver disease. The immunization lasts for 20 years.

4. Tetanus - is a very serious infection that is contracted through dirty cuts, scratches and wounds. This is highly recommended when travelling to countries where limited medical care is available. The immunization lasts for 10 years.

5. Typhoid – is a bacterial infection that is transmitted though ingestion of contaminated food and water especially in areas where hygiene is poor.

Vaccinations to be considered:

1. Cholera – is common during rainy seasons and when during floods. This spreads out through contaminated food and water.

2. Hepatitis B – is a viral infection that is transmitted through blood, blood products and sexual intercourse. It is highly recommended for long-stay travellers, children. Vaccines are given in 3 doses in a period of six months.

3. Meningoccoccal Meningitis (ACWY)

4. Polio - a viral infection that causes paralysis. Vaccination lasts up to 10 years.

5. Rabies – is spread through direct contact with infected animals and can be fatal.

6. Tuberculosis – is transmitted through close contact with an infected person and sometimes through infected milk or milk products.

Malaria Prevention

Malarone tablets

Malaria is a very dangeroud disease that is common in Tanzania. It is widely spread by mosquito bites and is present all throughout the year. It is important to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites from dusk to dawn. Malaria tablets are also highly recommended for any one travelling to Tanzania. Please consult your GP and travel nurse with regards to the following Anti-Malaria drugs:-

1. Doxycyline – One tablet a day to start the day before departure and four weeks after leaving the malaria area. It is slightly cheaper than Malarone.

2. Malarone - One tablet a day to start the day before departure and one week after leaving the malaria area. Malarone is known to have minor side effects compared to other anti- malaria drugs.

For a more enjoyable holiday, we highly recommend that you take all the necessary precautions to protect you from any health risks when travelling to Tanzania.