HealthVisitors on safari with Crocodile River Safaris should be aware that during their visit they must take care of their health. It is therefore necessary to discuss health issues that may arise during your safari. There are three main areas of risk which need to be mitigated for. These are:-
Sunburn
Malaria
HIV/AIDSSunburn
The cause
Sunburn to the skin is produced by overexposure to ultraviolet (UVA, UVB and UVC) radiation, from the sun’s rays. Exposure of the skin to lesser amounts of UV will often produce a suntan. Usual mild symptoms are red or reddish skin that is hot to the touch. Severe sunburn can be life-threatening and can be a cause of cancer.
Prevention
Skin burn can easily be prevented by:-
Applying a sunscreen with a SPF factor of at least 15 and reapplying it every 2 hours.
Covering arms and legs with clothing (long sleeved shirt and long trousers)
Always wearing a hat to shade head, face, neck and ears
Minimising your exposure to the sun between 10am and 3pm.
Protecting eyes with sun glasses
Limiting solar exposure, especially during the middle of the day is the best preventive method. The only cure for skin burn is slow healing, although some skin creams can help.
Your host will discuss this with you during your “arrival briefing”.
MalariaWhat is malaria?
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease which is endemic in the Mpumalanga area of South Africa. This is particularly the case during the months of November, December and January. It is therefore important to consult your doctor for the latest advice on malaria prophylaxis before traveling to the area.
How is it transmitted?
Malaria is transmitted when bitten by an infected mosquito that is carrying the malaria parasites in its saliva.How to protect yourself:-
Always use a mosquite repellent (day and night)
Wear a long sleeved shirt, long trousers and socks after dusk.
Close windows and doors at night unless they are screened
Always sleep under the bed-net provided.
Spray your room before going to bed.
Use mosquito coils or mosquito mats.
Whenever possible sit where there is a breeze
Always take your anti malaria drugs regularly
Symptoms of malaria
Symptoms of malaria include fever and flu-like illness, including shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea may also occur. The symptoms begin usually begin 10 days to 4 weeks after infection Some victims may feel ill as early as 8 days or up to 1 year later.If you feel ill
If you should become ill with a fever or flu-like symptoms, up to one year after returning home, you should immediately seek professional medical care. Tell your doctor that you have been travelling in a malaria-risk area.Treatment
Malaria can be cured with prescription drugs. The type of drugs and length of treatment depend on which kind of malaria is diagnosed, where the patient was infected, the age of the patient, and how severely ill the patient was at the start of the treatment.Arrived without a prophylactic
In the event that you do not have any anti malaria drugs tell your host immediately on arrival.HIV/AIDS
The AIDS epidemic
South Africa has the fifth highest prevalence of HIV in the world.Transmission
Aids is spread by the transfer of body fluids from an infected person to another.Prevention
To avoid contracting the disease do not engage in intimate relations with the local population.
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