Is malaria present in Kruger National Park, South Africa?

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QUESTION

I am holidaying in South Africa in January. 2014 including a visit to Kruger national park. Do I need anti malarial medication?

ANSWER
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), malaria is present in Kruger National Park:

Country Name Malaria in Country Drug Resistance Malaria Type Prophylaxis for Areas with Malaria
South Africa Present in the northeastern KwaZulu-Natal Province as far south as the Tugela River, Limpopo (Northern) Province, and Mpumalanga Province.ﾠPresent in Kruger National Park. Chloroquine P. falciparum 90%, P. vivax 5%, P. ovale 5% Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

 

 

Malaria in Southern Africa

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QUESTION

Which areas in southern africa harbour malaria?

ANSWER

Most of Namibia, Botswana and South Africa does not harbor malaria, either because it is too cold, too dry, or control measures have successfully eliminated transmission. However, malaria transmission is found in virtually all parts of Zimbabwe and southern Mozambique.

In addition, pockets of malaria transmission can be found in parts of the other countries of southern Africa, namely in northern Namibia (provinces of Kunene, Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, and Otjozondjupa and in the Caprivi Strip), in northern Botswana (Central, Chobe, Ghanzi, Northeast, and Northwest provinces) and also in the north-eastern corner of South Africa (north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, with the southern-most limit of transmission corresponding with the Tugela River, Limpopo (Northern) Province, and Mpumalanga Province). Malaria is also transmitted in Kruger National Park.

Four high risk areas for malaria in South Africa

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QUESTION:

List four areas in South Africa that are considered high risk for malaria.

ANSWER:

The far north east of the country is the only region considered a high transmission zone for malaria. This includes places such as the Maputoland coast in KwaZulu-Natal, Kruger National Park (and Nelspruit), most of the border region with Swaziland and the lowveld of Mpumalanga. Regions buffering this zone, such as Polokwane, are low to intermediate risk zones; the rest of South Africa is considered malaria-free.