Malaria in South Africa

05 Nov 2018

The South African National Institute of Communicable Diseases advises that the malaria season is underway in northeast South Africa. This year, the higher risk area of malaria has expanded. Health Protection Scotland are currently working on updating a revised malaria map for the South Africa page.

In the meantime, areas that NICD describes as "moderate risk" indicates areas where antimalarial chemoprophylaxis should be taken and include: the Kruger National Park, Vhembe and Mopani districts, Musina, Thohoyandou and surrounds, as well as the area between the Kruger National Park and Swaziland. In all other areas of South Africa, antimalarial chemoprophylaxis is not needed but mosquito bites should be rigorously avoided.

Advice to travellers

While the malaria risk to travellers remains generally low in South Africa, travellers are strongly advised to practice rigorous mosquito bite avoidance at all times. Antimalarial chemoprphylaxis is advised for the areas named above.

Travellers who have a fever during or on return from travel to South Africa should consider the possibility of malaria seek prompt medical attention.