Medical Information

Casualty evacuation and medical insurance

Our medical facilities are equal to the best in the world and, if you should fall ill or have an accident, you will receive excellent care. And, of course it is a good idea that you carry medical insurance to deal with such an eventuality. Of course, accidents can happen anywhere - including in the middle of the bush - in which case you would need specialised casevac or medical evacuation. Fortunately, we have excellent casevac facilities, which have reciprocity agreements with most international emergency medical services so your existing insurance will probably cover it. But do check before leaving home.

Dangerous plants

As a rule, if you don't attack the vegetation, it won't attack you, but we do have some quite nasty thorny trees, and you do want to be aware of them. Most are obvious. You may also find, in some areas, the grass seeds are particularly affectionate, and it can be quite difficult to discourage them from clinging to your socks. You can buy (or make) sock protectors - just cut off the last few inches of a pair of old jeans or trousers, sew in a bit of elastic, and wear them over your shoes. You will find this invaluable in the bush. Of course, we do have some poisonous plants as well, so don't go around putting any pretty-looking berry into your mouth. Otherwise, our plants are mostly friendly and useful - providing decoration, a soft surface to walk on and a shady canopy to sit under.

Infectious and tropical diseases

Bilharzia can be a problem in some of the east-flowing rivers but it is easily detected and treated if it is caught early. If you are concerned, you could have a routine test a month or two after you get home - just to reassure yourself. Ticks generally come out in the early spring and may carry tickbite fever, which is easily treated. Other health issues you should be aware of include hepatitis, for which you can be inoculated. But, really, we have a pretty healthy climate and, except in the most out-of-the-way places, our standard of water treatment and such is equal to the best in the world. Yes, that does mean you can drink the tap water in your hotel room.

Food and water

As a rule, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as it is treated and so is free of harmful micro organisms. You will also find that in almost every establishment you would consider staying in, the standard of hygiene and food preparation is absolutely fine, and your chances of picking up something nasty are very slim indeed. So you don't need to forego the pleasures of eating our fresh fruit and munching away on salads for fear of nasties. And you can safely put as much ice as you like in your drinks - a good thing, too, after all day on the beach or in the bush.

HIV/Aids

HIV is prevalent, but really shouldn't cause any concern for visitors. But do bear in mind that unprotected sex, on holiday as at home, may put you at risk so, if a casual holiday romance is likely, take the obvious precautions. Our government has embarked on a national programme of health and reproductive education - particularly aimed at teenagers.

Malaria

If you are travelling to the far north-east of South Africa you should consult a heath-care professional for the best and latest advice concerning malaria prophylaxis as it changes regularly. Malaria is endemic in the lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal and you are at most risk in the summer months.The government has embarked on an extensive anti-malaria programme (in co-operation with Swaziland and Mozambique) and the incidence of malaria is decreasing.;;One reassuring thing about malaria is that - if you ensure that you don't get bitten by a mosquito - there is absolutely no way at all that you can succumb to this rather nasty disease. To protect yourself, always use mosquito repellent (even during the day), wear light, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and shoes and socks at night, and sleep under a net or in a mosquito-proof room. Many seasoned travellers swear by these simple and inexpensive measures in favour of the use of drugs.Even if you are taking oral malaria prophylaxis, you can still get malaria if you are bitten by an infected anopheles mosquito, so a good repellent and mechanical barriers are really your easiest, cheapest and most effective precautions.If you do decide to take malaria prophylaxis, it is essential to take the drugs according to the directions on the package insert. You need to start a week or two before entering a malaria-endemic area and it is also essential that you continue taking the drugs for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area. Consult a health-care professional about the possible side-effects of the drugs. And note - there are alternative homeopathic malaria prophylactics but these are also not 100% effective.If you are pregnant, it is advisable to avoid malaria areas but you can still have a great holiday (including some excellent game viewing) without setting foot in a malaria-endemic area. Some medical conditions are contra-indications for malaria prophylactic drugs, so consult your regular doctor if you have any pre-existing maladies. Think carefully before taking young children into malaria areas.

Sunburn

We have a warm sunny climate and you should wear sunscreen and a hat whenever you are out of doors. Even if you are have a dark complexion, you can still get sunburned if you are from a cooler climate and have not had much exposure to the sun. If you are travelling with children be sure to bribe, bully or badger them into wearing sun hats and ensure that you smother them with sunscreen. The danger of extended exposure to the sun is much greater for young skin.