Visitors to Kruger Park urged to guard against malaria

The Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga has urged visitors to take precautionary measures against malaria.

The warning comes in the wake of an outbreak of the disease that has claimed more than 30 lives in neighbouring Limpopo.

SA National Parks (SANParks) said the park was classified as a low-risk area, despite being inside a malaria area.

“Due to the heavy rainfall this year, there are pools of water in abundance everywhere and the park is experiencing malaria cases, especially in the northern part,” said spokesperson William Mabasa.

“Malaria seems to be on the brink of an outbreak despite the fact that we’re almost in winter,” he said.

He warned that hundreds of people have contracted the disease. “We therefore advise visitors to take the necessary precautions, which include the use of prophylaxis and vaccinations in consultation with their doctors, to prevent the possibility of contracting malaria.”

Mabasa said the Kruger National Park was known as an endemic malaria area.

The northern part of South Africa is prone to malaria outbreaks, although at minimal levels.

Despite the health department’s routine spraying of households between September and March to combat the disease, this year’s outbreak caught authorities by surprise.

“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 the highest risk period.

“However, this year seems to be slightly different,” said Mabasa.

“With winter approaching, mosquitoes, which are carriers of the parasite causing malaria, should begin to hibernate and the situation shall possibly improve.

“There are medical doctors permanently based in Skukuza, Kruger National Park’s main camp.

“The public can also consult them for information and advice prior to their visit to the park.”

The provincial health department said it had response teams spread across the northern part of Limpopo to deal with cases.

Malaria is transmitted through a mosquito bite and can cause death if untreated. – ANA