There is a risk of malaria in all countries in the TFCA and while the risk is generally low, some areas pose a higher level of risk. Risk also may vary from season to season. Malaria prophylactics appropriate for the strain of parasite in the areas you propose to travel are recommended.
Symptoms of malaria may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Sweats
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
The incubation period is generally two to three weeks so you may only feel unwell once you return home, but in some cases it may take months for the disease to manifest itself. If you experience any of the symptoms, even if you have taken your prophylaxis, see your doctor immediately and tell him you have been in a malaria area.
Malaria Risk by Country
Angola
Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all areas in Angola
Botswana
Although the risk of malaria is deemed as very low in Botswana, the areas with elevated risk are the districts of Central, Chobe, Ghanzi, Northeast, and Northwest. The cities of Francistown and Gaborone, however, are deemed safe areas.
Namibia
Areas of risk are the provinces of Kunene, Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and the Caprivi Strip. The risk is deemed as moderate.
Zambia
All areas in Zambia are at moderate risk of malaria.
Zimbabwe
All areas in Zimbabwe pose a moderate threat
The simplest way to avoid malaria is reduce the chances of mosquito bites. Apart from the obvious prophylactics, there are other measures that you can implement to reduce the risk even more, for example:
- Try to avoid being outside from dusk till dawn as this is when malaria-carrying mosquitoes are most active. The most critical times are actually the few hours around dusk and dawn.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outside.
- Use mosquito repellents and be sure to apply as instructed on the label directions.
- Stay in a room that has air conditioning, screens on windows and doorways, and a mosquito net surrounding your bed.
- Use insect repellent sprays indoors.