Malaria Prevention Tips for Safari Travelers

Malaria Prevention Tips for Safari Travelers

Malaria is a serious, potentially fatal disease transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Tanzania is a malaria-risk area, particularly in lower-altitude regions. Effective prevention involves a multi-pronged approach:

  1. Antimalarial Medication (Chemoprophylaxis):
    • Consult Your Doctor: Before your trip, speak with your doctor or a travel clinic. They will assess your health, itinerary, and the latest malaria risk levels to prescribe the most appropriate antimalarial drug for you (e.g., Malarone, Lariam, Doxycycline).
    • Start Before Travel: Most antimalarials need to be started a few days to a week before entering a malaria-risk area and continued for a period after leaving, so plan ahead.
    • Follow Instructions: Take the medication exactly as prescribed for maximum effectiveness.
  2. Prevent Mosquito Bites: This is the most critical line of defense.
    • Insect Repellent: Use repellents containing DEET (30-50%), picaridin (20%), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) on exposed skin, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
    • Cover Up: Wear long-sleesleeved shirts and long pants, particularly during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk). Light-colored clothing is often preferred as dark colors can attract mosquitoes.
    • Mosquito Nets: Ensure your accommodation has intact mosquito nets over beds, and use them properly (tuck them under the mattress). Many safari camps provide nets.
    • Insecticide: Use permethrin-treated clothing or gear (though typically pre-treated clothing is more effective). Some rooms may have mosquito coils or plug-in repellents.
    • Avoid Perfumes/Colognes: Strong scents can attract insects.
  3. Awareness of Symptoms:
    • Know the symptoms of malaria: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
    • Seek Medical Attention Immediately: If you experience any of these symptoms during or after your trip (even weeks or months later), seek medical help immediately and inform them of your travel history. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.