Visiting the KNP? Be malaria wise
The Kruger National Park management has called on visitors coming to the park to take necessary precautionary measures against the malaria disease.
LIMPOPO – This is due to reported cases of malaria in Mpumalanga recently, in particular the Ehlanzeni District Municipality which the southern part of the Kruger National Park (KNP) falls under.
“We would like to advise visitors to the Park to take precautionary measures to prevent the possibility of contracting malaria during their visits.
“Precautions such as the use of prophylaxes, vaccinations in consultation with doctors to avoid exposing the skin while outside in the evenings can assist a great deal in this regard.
The KNP is known to be one of the malaria endemic areas in this country, therefore chances of catching Malaria always exist in this area though not often,” said KNP General Manager of Communications and Marketing, William Mabasa.
Visitors are advised to use repellents on the skin, wear long sleeved clothes if they happen to go outside of their units, keep the window gauzes and doors closed at all times and check that these are not broken, as well as ensure that air conditioners in the chalets are fully functional.
Mabasa also noted that although malaria can be contracted at any time of the year, the Malaria season in this country is October to April, with March and April being the highest risk period.
“We request visitors who contract malaria after having visited the park to assist us by immediately reporting to our local doctors in Skukuza as this can assist in recording and identifying all the affected areas in need of attention,” Mabasa said.
There are resident medical doctors permanently based in Skukuza, Kruger National Park’s main camp and the public can consult them for information and advice prior to their visit to the Park on 013 735 5638.
