travel clinic cape town

The best 10 Travel Clinics in Cape Town 2024

Travel clinics in cape town.

Address: 3 Cavendish Place, Claremont, Western Cape, 7708, South Africa, Cape Town. See full address and map. Categories: Travel Clinics

Address: Keysers Rd, Retreat Industrial, Western Cape, South Africa, Cape Town. See full address and map. Categories: Travel Clinics www.netcare.co.za

Address: 1 Clock Tower Ctr, V & A Waterfront, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa, Cape Town. See full address and map. Categories: Travel Clinics

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TRAVEL CLINIC

Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, there are certain medical precautions that need to be taken when travelling to certain areas.  Particular areas are known to have a preponderance of certain illnesses for which vaccinations / tablets are available as preventative measures.  Regulations pertaining to compulsory vaccination do apply in some areas; however, these do not necessarily cover the spectrum.

Each individual’s requirements differ – above and beyond the area being visited, factors such as health status, allergies and other elements need to be taken into account as they may prevent the use of certain products.

CONSULTATIONS AND OPERATING HOURS

Yellow fever, vaccinations, travel meds, accreditation.

Consultations

Consultation with a specialised Nursing Sister is necessary due to the fact that there are a multitude of conditions and considerations that need to be taken into account when travelling.

Operating Hours

Monday – Friday: 8am – 6pm Saturday: 8am to 1pm Closed on Public holidays  * By appointment only

Contact the Travel Clinic on [email protected]

Vaccinations

Vaccinations would include Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Polio and Meningitis . Certification of vaccinations will be included with the relevant inoculations. Certain areas in Africa, Saudi Arabia and South America require certification of vaccination in order to allow for entry.

Malaria Prophylaxis

Malaria is a life-threatening disease primarily found in tropical countries. Although no Malaria Prophylaxis provides 100% cover, one should consider that 90% protection is better than no protection at all. Therefore, the use of Malaria Prophylaxis is highly recommended.  A  good insect repellent regularly applied can be instrumental in the prevention of Malaria.

Travel Medication

Items such as water purification tablets, diarrhoea medication, flight stockings, First Aid kits and re-hydration medication are some of the items usually forgotten and sadly only missed on reaching the traveller’s destination. Special attention will be required for the ‘Special Needs traveller’ such as diabetics, pregnant women, paraplegics, etc.

Accreditation

M-KEM’s Travel Clinic is licensed with the Department Of Health.  We are also members of the South African Society For Travel Medicine and are covered by a certified doctor who oversees the clinic.

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We come to you!

Mobile travel, vaccinations & injections.

• Yellow Fever Vaccination
• Malaria Prophylaxis
• Hep A+B, Typhoid fever, polio, meningitis vaccination
• Mobile IV treatments (vitamin drips, etc)
• Other Injections (Vitamin B Neurobion/Flu)

Schedule Your Travel Vaccination At a Convenient Time

We Come To You

One of our licenced healthcare professionals will meet you or your client at home or the office to administer the vaccinations.

Get Your Certificate & Make Payment

Get your yellow fever or other vaccination certificate and make payment - no consult fees, you will only be charged for administering the vaccination.

Our vaccination services are available to corporate companies, travel agency clients, and private individuals specialising in all aspects of vaccinations. We also offer child vaccinations, Vitamin B Neurobion injections, home Covid-19 PCR tests and IV treatments (Drips).

Having an Emergency?

We're available and ready to assist.

who we service

As vaccination specialists, we are dedicated to providing you with reliable, professional service to meet all your needs. 

We'll come to your company and vaccinate your staff, ensuring their next business trip goes ahead smoothly.

travel agencies

Give your clients royal service by offering them mobile travel vaccinations.

private individuals

Quick, hassle-free and professional travel vaccinations done at your office or your home.

we come to you

vaccines are administered

certificate issued

Our Process

Clients that trust travac with their vaccinations.

Why Travac?

• Save time & money - No consultation fee!
• Licenced & experienced healthcare practitioners
• Registered Travel Clinic, We Come To You
• Same day vaccinations can be arranged for emergencies

Hear From Our Customers

Frequently asked questions

List of vaccinations:.

• CHOLERA (ORAL)
• H. INFLUENZA TYPE B
• HEPATITIS A
• HEPATITIS B
• JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS
• MEASLES (MMR)
• MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS #
• PNEUMOCOCCAL (PPV-23 VACCINE)
• TETANUS/DIPTHERIA/PERTUSSIS #
• TYPHOID FEVER #
• VARICELLA (CHICKEN POX) #
• YELLOW FEVER

MALARIA PROPHYLACTICS: / MALARIA PILLS:

Certificates are usually sent on the same day, but can take longer. Your certificate can be sent to you with priority on the same day by prior arrangement. Please chat to us about your requirements.

Please inform us of the urgency of your request and we will do our best to accommodate you with an earlier vaccination appointment as soon as possible on the same day.

Mosquitos are much more than just an irritating little flying bug. This FemFatalis considered one of the most dangerous creatures on this planet because of their ability to spread deadly diseases with a single bite.

Malaria is caused by a parasites picked up by a mosquito feeding on infected humans and is then passed on when this mosquito injects its saliva while feeding on another human. Once these parasites are in the human body, they migrate to the liver where they grow and multiply. Eventually these parasites enter the blood stream to continue developing and multiplying, ultimately destroying blood cells.

Depending on the duration of the travel, Malaria Pills – either Malanil or Mefliam will be prescribed. Contrary to the “old wife’s tale”, malaria prophylaxis & malaria pills don’t mask the symptoms of malaria, they prevent the infection.

Rapid result malaria test kits are also available. These screening tests are approved by the World Health Organisation, are 100% accurate on a negative test and takes only 10 minutes.

World Health Organisation approved rapid result HIV tests can be done conveniently and discreetly in the comfort of your own home or office. In the case of a positive result, help will be given regarding further blood tests, treatment options, ARV’s and essential counselling .

Yellow Fever is a virus originally common to primates in Africa & South America. This virus is spread by the Yellow Fever mosquito, which is still found in South Africa due to the favourable climate. It is imperative that we prevent the spread of this deadly disease and can achieve this by enforcing border controls preventing infected people, travelling from areas where there is a threat, from coming to South Africa, without a valid Yellow Fever certificate, as proof that they have been vaccinated and are not carriers of the disease.

Sadly there is no cure or treatment for Yellow Fever. Prevention is only treatment therefore vaccinate!

South Africa's Leading Mobile Travel Vaccination Service

Get your yellow fever/malaria prophylaxis travel vaccine in johannesburg or pretoria..

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Netcare travel clinics

Experienced and caring healthcare professionals at our dedicated Netcare travel clinics and select Medicross family medical and dental centres across the country offer expert travel medicine advice and services to people planning to visit any destination in the world.

With the latest information on health risks across the world at our fingertips and our expertise in travel medicine, our healthcare professionals will provide you with advice tailored to your personal health circumstances and the specific destinations you will be visiting, as well as being able to administer all of your required and recommended travel vaccinations.  

Medicals required for cross-border work permits or visas are also undertaken at Netcare travel clinics, in accordance with the occupational health requirements of the specific country.

Latest information on health risks across the world at our fingertips.

Our services

Our team of healthcare practitioners will assist you with the following services to help to reduce your health risks and ensure peace of mind during your travels:

• Assessment of, and advice on, the health risks associated with your planned travel to specific destinations.
• General advice on travel health whether by land, air or sea, and on travelling under specific circumstances such as pregnancy or a chronic medical condition.
• Travel vaccinations required by the country or countries you will be visiting. Netcare travel clinics are registered yellow fever immunisation centres.
• Assessment and recommendations regarding any risks versus benefits of vaccinations in relation to your personal health circumstances.
• Cross-border medicals in accordance with occupational health requirements of specific countries at travel clinics with occupational health centres.
• A range of travel first aid kits, insect repellents and medication for conditions such as traveller's diarrhoea which are commonly experienced by travellers are also available from our travel clinics.

The full spectrum of travel health services is provided at our dedicated Netcare travel clinics. Contact the individual Medicross centres to find out more about the specific travel health services offered at each facility.

Individuals who travel beyond South Africa's borders should be up to date on all indicated vaccinations against destination-specific diseases for which they are at risk and which are preventable through vaccination.  

Find a Netcare travel clinic

Eastern cape, medicross cape road.

Dis-Chem Building, 289 Cape Road Newton Park, Port Elizabeth 6015 Tel: 041 391 8700

Medicross Walmer

Cnr of Buffelsfontein & 17th Avenue Miramar, Port Elizabeth 6070 Tel: 041 396 4800

Medicross Bloemfontein

College Square, 183 Nelson Mandela Drive, Bloemfontein 9301 Tel: 051 406 0200/0250

Medicross Quintamed

2 Wag-n-Bietjiebos Street, Pellissier, Bloemfontein 9301 Tel: 051 422 4911

Netcare Occupational Health and Travel Clinic -  Boksburg

Medicross Boksburg Cnr Trichardt & North Rand Roads Boksburg 1462 Tel: 011 898 6509

Netcare Occupational Health and Travel Clinic -  Tshwane

Medicross Constantia Park 2 nd Floor, Cnr Chopin & Duvernoy Streets, Garsfontein, Pretoria 0063 Tel: 012 993 9048

Medicross Benoni

Cnr Kei & Great North Roads Farrarmere, Benoni 1501 Tel: 011 425 4000/9100

Medicross Germiston

Cnr Weber Road & Olivier Street, Germiston 1422 Tel: 011 824 7300/1/2

Netcare Occupational Health and Travel Clinic - Sandton

Unit 1B6 Sinosteel Plaza 159 Rivonia road Morningside ext. Sandton Tel: 011 802 0059

Medicross Pretoria North

291 Burger Street, Pretoria North, Pretoria 0116 Tel: 012 565 6091/521 2420

Medicross Randburg

Cnr Rabie Street & Malibongwe Drive, Fontainebleau, Randburg 2194 Tel: 011 796 1400

Medicross Roodepoort

54 Ontdekkers Road, Ontdekkerspark, Roodepoort 1724 Tel: 011 764 1919/279 9400

Medicross Saxby

1053 Frederick Street, Eldoraigne, Pretoria 0149 Tel: 012 6602355/6

Medicross The Berg

The Berg Shopping Centre, Cnr Gordon Road & Bergbron Drive Bergbron 7570 Tel: 011 673 4150/670 2400

Medicross Vereeniging

Cnr Nile Drive & The Square, Three Rivers, Vereeniging 1939 Tel: 016 423 5494

KwaZulu-Natal

Medicross hayfields.

Hayfields Mall, Cnr Blackburrow & Cleland Roads, Hayfields, Pietermaritzburg 3201 Tel: 033 386 9208

Medicross Malvern

Cnr Ethelbert & Conabor Roads, Queensburgh, Malvern, Durban 4093 Tel: 031 463 2055

Medicross Pinetown

Netcare umhlanga travel clinic.

Ground Floor, Netcare Umhlanga Medical Centre 321 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga Tel: 031 582 5302

Medicross Potchefstroom

Cnr James Moraka Avenue & Peter Mokaba Street, Potchefstroom 2520 Tel: 018 293 7800

Western Cape

Medicross fish hoek.

23 5th Avenue, Fish Hoek, Cape Town 7975 Tel: 021 782 3506

Medicross Kenilworth

67 Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth, Cape Town 7708 Tel: 021 683 5867

Medicross Langeberg

Brighton Centre, Cnr Brighton & Kipling Roads, Kraaifontein, Cape Town 7570 Tel: 021 987 1690/980 5100

Medicross Paarl

Cnr Verster & De Villiers Streets, Paarl 7646 Tel: 021 872 3867

Medicross Pinelands

Block A, Park Lane, Alexandra Road, Pinelands, Cape Town 7405 Tel: 021 511 2672

Netcare Occupational Health and Travel Clinic - Tableview

Unit 1A 85 Arum road Tableview Cape Town Tel: 021 476 0980

Medicross Tokai

Cnr Tokai Road & Keyser River Drive, Tokai, Cape Town 7947 Tel: 021 710 9950

Vaccinations required by specific countries: Yellow fever

• Burkino Faso
• Central African Republic
• Ivory Coast
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea Bissau
• Sierra Leone
• Southern Sudan

South America

• French Guiana

The oral cholera vaccine provides significant protection against cholera and is well tolerated. Cholera is an uncommon disease in travellers but it may be advisable for high risk travellers as well as those who may be exposed to uncertain water and hygiene conditions to consider vaccination.

Cholera is an acute infectious disease which affects the intestinal track and causes diarrhoea. It is caused by a germ named Vibrio Cholerae, which can be found in water and food that are contaminated by faeces.

With improvements in hygiene, the incidence of cholera has become less frequent but outbreaks can still occur where the provision of clean water and proper sanitation is compromised.

Once ingested, the Vibrio Cholerae germ multiply in the intestine and they produce a toxin that causes a large amount of water and minerals to be secreted into the bowels and then expelled from the body in the form of watery diarrhoea.

Transmission

The main mode of cholera transmission is by drinking water or eating food that is contaminated by the faeces of infected people. Fruit and vegetables can also be contaminated in areas where crops are fertilised with water that contains human faeces.

Direct transmission from person to person is rare. However the cholera germs are present in the stools of infected patients for seven to 14 days, even if they have no or mild diarrhoea.

Signs and symptoms

The time between becoming infected with cholera and the first symptoms varies from two hours to five days but are most commonly between two to three days.

About 75% of people infected with cholera do not develop any symptoms. In 10 to 15% of cases, infected people will develop mild diarrhoea. Severe cases account for 10% of infected people, mostly malnourished children, people living with HIV/AIDS, and elderly persons. In these cases, cholera can be fatal within hours.

The onset of symptoms is typically sudden. The main symptom is an abrupt watery diarrhoea, with up to one litre per hour being expelled from the body.

Vomiting can occur, which makes rehydration more difficult. There is usually no fever, although children do sometimes develop a fever.

It is important to look out for the following signs of dehydration:

• Intense thirst
• Little or no urine output
• Absence of tears
• Sunken eyes
• Muscle cramps
• Rapid heartbeat

At a later stage of the disease, patients can become lethargic and lose consciousness.

Indentation of the fontanelle (the soft spot on an infant’s head) is a sign of severe dehydration in babies.

How to prevent contracting cholera when travelling in countries or areas posing a risk

• Brush your teeth with treated water.
• Keep water containers clean and do not put your hands in water meant for drinking.
• If the water source is not reliable, treat water in one of the following ways: boiling it for at least one minute, adding water purification tablets to the water, adding 5ml of chlorine to 20 to 25 litres of water, or filtering the water through clean fabric. Use stored water within 24 hours.
• Always disinfect your hands by washing them with soap or using hand rub before preparing, handling or cooking food.
• Always disinfect your hands after using the toilet.
• Wash all vegetables and fruit with treated water.
• Avoid eating uncooked food unless it can be peeled (for example bananas) or shelled.
• Avoid eating ice-cream or using ice in your drinks as it may have been made with untreated water.
• Cook food thoroughly and eat it while it is hot. Fish and vegetables are major causes of cholera transmission, so only eat them well cooked.
• Do not mix cooked and raw food. Cooked food can become contaminated if it comes into contact with contaminated raw vegetables, or when you use the same knife of cutting board.
• Keep food preparation areas clean and free from flies.
• Wash dishes with water and soap.
• Do not let children play in or near water sources such as rivers and dams that may be contaminated.
• Do not fish in, or each fish from, polluted water.

Hepatitis A

This vaccine is recommended for travellers crossing our borders as they are just as likely to be exposed when staying and dining in a five-star establishment as camping or eating food cooked by street vendors, as food handlers are the major source of the infection.

Vaccination is strongly recommended for travellers visiting areas where drinking water may be unsafe and where there is poor hygiene and sanitation.

The hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective in giving immediate protection and, with a booster vaccine, can provide lifelong protection. Various brands of the hepatitis A vaccine are available. The vaccine is also available in combination with the hepatitis B vaccine, and in combination with the typhoid vaccine.

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is spread through contaminated water and food, especially shellfish, or through person to person contact (faecal-oral route) where personal hygiene is poor.

Which areas harbour hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A occurs worldwide, mostly in countries where sanitation is poor. It is now rare in Western Europe, Scandinavia, North America, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

In addition to vaccination, prevention is focused on ensuring that food and water are safe. Avoid food such as shellfish, salads, unwashed fruit and vegetables and raw or undercooked meat products.

Good personal hygiene is also very important. Individuals should ensure that they wash their hands prior to eating and after using the bathroom.

The illness of all forms of hepatitis is similar. Symptoms include mild fever, gastro-intestinal upset, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Jaundice may also occur. Infection with Hepatitis A results in lifelong immunity.

There is no specific treatment for the hepatitis A virus.

Hepatitis B

An effective vaccine is available to protect against hepatitis B. Since 1995, the hepatitis B vaccine is part of the extended programme of vaccination for all children.

Hepatitis B is a potentially fatal disease. It is acquired through contact with contaminated body fluids, especially blood. Contaminated or non-sterile medical equipment is a common source of infection amongst travellers, usually in lesser developed countries where disposable medical equipment may be re-used. The disease can also be sexually transmitted in much the same ways as HIV, and represents another area of risk for travellers.

Travellers at risk should consider vaccination. This includes those who will be visiting areas where there is high risk of exposure to the virus. Individuals should avoid risky behaviour such as unprotected sex. Avoid tattoos, piercings, dental and surgical procedures in high risk areas.

Infection with hepatitis B is more serious than with hepatitis A. Symptoms include mild flu like symptoms, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. It can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver and cancer of the liver. Of the two billion people infected with the virus worldwide, 350 million live with chronic infection.

• Acute illness is treated symptomatically, with careful monitoring for early signs of liver failure.
• Chronic infection may require treatment with either interferon or oral antivirals to reduce the long term risk of cirrhosis or cancer of the liver.

Meningococcal meningitis

Various types of vaccines are available against meningococcal meningitis.

Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial form of meningitis, a serious infection of the meninges that affects the brain membrane. It may cause severe brain damage, hearing loss or a learning disability in 10% to 20% of survivors, and is fatal in 50% of cases if untreated. Even when the disease is diagnosed early and adequate treatment is started, 5% five to 10% of patients die, typically within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of the symptoms. The average incubation period is four days but can range between two and 10 days.

A less common but even more severe (often fatal) form of meningococcal meningitis is meningococcal septicaemia, which is characterised by a haemorrhagic rash and rapid circulatory collapse.

The bacterium is transmitted from person to person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from infector persons (carriers). Close and prolonged contact such as kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone, living in close quarters such as a dormitory or sharing eating or drinking utensils with a carrier facilitates the spread of the disease.

The most common symptoms are a stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches and vomiting.

Meningococcal meningitis should be viewed as a medical emergency. Appropriate antibiotic treatment must be started as soon as possible in the course of the disease. Close contacts of the person diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis should receive prophylaxis.

This vaccine can be given orally in the form of drops, or in combination with tetanus and diphtheria as a single injection. The vaccine offers simple and safe protection against poliomyelitis which is still prevalent in some countries.

What is poliomyelitis?

Polio is a disease caused by a virus that affects the nervous system and is mainly spread by person-to-person contact. Polio can also be spread by drinking water or other drinks or eating raw or undercooked foods that are contaminated with the faeces of an infected person.

Which areas harbour polio?

Certain areas of Asia and Africa harbour polio.

The illness

The illness may be mild with fever, tiredness, nausea and coughing, and a person can recover completely. In rare cases, polio causes loss of muscle function in the arms and legs.

Recommendations for travellers

Everyone's routine polio immunisation should be up to date. Persons travelling into a high risk area, should be boosted with polio immunisation.

Travellers should make sure that they adhere to good food and water hygiene practices.

Vaccination is recommended for all travellers who will be going to or living in endemic areas and who may be exposed to rabies as a result of the activities in which they will engage, for example trekking or working in rural areas.

Some individuals may require vaccination in light of their occupation, for example veterinarians, workers in animal quarantine centres, certain custom officials and bat handlers.

Rabies is a preventable, life-threatening viral disease of mammals, most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. All mammals are susceptible to rabies, whether they are wild and domestic animals.

Which areas harbour rabies?

Despite evidence that control of dog rabies through programmes of animal vaccination and elimination of stray dogs can reduce the incidence of human rabies, exposure to rabid dogs is still the cause of over 95% of human exposure to the disease. More the 95% of human deaths as a result of rabies occur in the Indian subcontinent, Asia and Africa.

Because vaccines to prevent human rabies have been available for over 100 years, most deaths from rabies occur in countries with inadequate public awareness of the disease, limited access to preventive treatment and inadequate public health resources. These countries also often have almost no rabies surveillance and insufficient diagnostic facilities.

Disease prevention includes administration of both passive antibodies through an injection of human immune globulin and a schedule of injections with rabies vaccine. The immune globulin provides immediate protection while the body’s immunity to rabies is being primed by the rabies vaccine.

The early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to that of many other illnesses and include fever, headache and general weakness or discomfort. As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.

It is crucial to seek medical attention within 24 hours if a person is bitten or gets a scratch in any endemic rabies area, even if the person has been vaccinated against rabies.

Saliva should be thoroughly washed off with soap and water and the wound irrigated with iodine solution or alcohol. This is very effective in removing the virus from the site of the bite or scratch, provided it is done promptly and thoroughly. Suturing of the wound site should be avoided and tetanus vaccination should be considered.

There is no effective treatment for rabies, once clinical symptoms have developed.

All travellers should have up to date tetanus vaccination as the disease is prevalent throughout the world and is potentially life-threatening. A booster dose is given by means of a single injection and is indicated if you have not had a tetanus injection in the last 10 years. It is often combined with polio and diphtheria vaccines as a single injection.

Tetanus is found worldwide. Tetanus is a serious disease of the central nervous system that is caused by bacteria that is found in soil. The disease is spread through open cuts and wounds that have been contaminated with infected soil.

Early symptoms of the disease include stiffness of the jaw muscles (often referred to as lockjaw), difficulty in swallowing and muscle spasms. The disease can spread to affect more muscles in the body, including the respiratory muscles. This can cause difficulties with breathing and can result in death.

Treatment for tetanus usually involves giving immunoglobulin and antibiotics. Those infected will often require intensive care until the effects of the disease wear off.

A combination vaccine is available to protect adults against diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis and polio. A single dose, Tetanus toxoid is also available. Tetanus forms part of the government’s immunisation schedule for children.

Travellers should ensure that they receive a booster vaccination every 10 years.

Typhoid fever

Typhoid is a bacterial disease which is transmitted through contaminated food and water and can be a serious life-threatening disease. Food handlers can carry the bacteria and once they handle food, they pass it onto the food and persons eating the food then contract typhoid fever.

The disease is characterised by a sustained high fever, loss of appetite and severe headaches. The infected person may either have diarrhoea, with loose stools resembling green pea soup, or constipation.

Certain antibiotics are used to treat typhoid fever.

Vaccination is recommended if you are visiting areas where drinking water may be unsafe and where hygiene and sanitation are poor.

Travellers should adhere to good food and water hygiene practices. It is also important to practice good personal hygiene such as washing your hands after using the toilet and before eating.

Yellow fever

International health regulations regarding yellow fever are unequivocal, and travellers who have not been vaccinated may be refused entry into a country and may even face being quarantined in certain circumstances. Travellers who have been vaccinated against yellow fever are issued with an internationally recognised vaccination certificate for inspection by immigration officials. This strict control is maintained to ensure that both individual travellers and wider communities in their home countries are protected against outbreaks and the spread of this disease.

To be effective the yellow fever vaccine should be administered seven to 10 days prior to departure. The vaccine provides immunity against the disease for life although not all countries in Africa accept that immunity is for life and require proof of immunisation against yellow fever every 10 years.

Yellow fever is a viral illness for which is transmitted by a day-biting mosquito. There is no cure for the disease but there is an effective vaccine to prevent it.

Which areas harbour yellow fever?

The yellow fever virus is present in the forests and jungles of Africa and Central and South America and, more recently, also in Angola and Uganda.

In South America there can be two yellow fever transmission cycles, namely:

• a sylvatic (jungle) cycle maintained by monkeys and mosquitoes; and
• an urban cycle between humans and mosquitoes

In Africa three cycles can occur, namely:

• a sylvatic rain forest cycle between monkeys and mosquitoes;
• a savannah cycle that can be maintained by humans, monkeys and mosquitoes; and
• an urban cycle between humans and mosquitoes.

Yellow fever immunisation recommendations for travelling in Africa. www.cdc.gov

Yellow fever immunisation recommendations for travelling in South America. www.cdc.gov

The illness develops within six days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. The onset is usually sudden. Fever develops with headache, body pains and most often nausea. Jaundice develops, there is a bleeding tendency and coma and death may result.

Treatment of yellow fever is symptomatic. There is no specific antiviral treatment for yellow fever. Treatment is supportive to manage dehydration, respiratory failure and fever.

Yellow fever map

Travel health updates.

More cases of highly infectious whooping cough reported this year

There has been a rise in the number of reported cases of whooping cough — a highly infectious disease — in South Africa this year, and families are cautioned to take measures to protect their young children from potentially becoming infected.

"Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a vaccine-preventable disease that often presents with cold-like symptoms. It occurs in people of all ages but can be particularly serious for infants, as they have under-developed immune systems and are at high risk of developing severe complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis," says Dr Peter Vincent of Netcare Travel Clinics and Medicross Tokai.

"As many as a half of all infants under the age of one year who contract whooping cough require hospitalisation, which illustrates the potential severity that this infection can pose to them. Unfortunately some babies with the infection do not develop the distinctive cough, so it is not always obvious that they have contracted pertussis, and in some cases the first sign of the condition is when the child stops breathing," adds Dr Vincent.

"Whooping cough, which is a notifiable disease in South Africa, is an infection of the breathing passages with the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is usually spread through contact with respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. Parents, grandparents, siblings and other caregivers are often not aware that they have contracted the infection and may pass it on to the infants in their care without being aware that they have done so."

According to Dr Vincent, in its latest edition of its Communicable Diseases Communiqué, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported an increase in the number of laboratory-confirmed pertussis cases in South Africa between January and August 2108 compared with last year.

"The NICD states that there have been 90 confirmed cases of whooping cough in South Africa so far this year, 43% of which occurred in children three months and younger. It observes that episodic increases in the prevalence of the disease do tend to occur every three to five years, so this is not cause for alarm. This does, however, call for increased vigilance, and we always advise caregivers to be ever mindful of this infection, and to take every precaution to protect the infants in their care from it.

"This can be done by ensuring that your children are inoculated against whooping cough as per the requirements of the Expanded Programme on Immunization [EPI] in South Africa, which stipulates infants should receive a total of four pertussis vaccine doses at three, five, seven and 18 months.

"In addition, pregnant women between 26 and 36 weeks gestation should get a dose of the quadrivalent vaccine with each pregnancy. In addition to pertussis, the vaccine also provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria and polio. This assists in providing newborn babies with the best possible passive immunity against whooping cough."

Dr Vincent warns that young infants who have not yet been immunised, or who are only partially immunised, may remain at risk. Netcare Travel Clinics and Medicross therefore also recommend that those who are likely to be in close contact with infants, including mothers, parents, grandparents, siblings, travellers and healthcare workers, to also take precautions against contracting and passing on the infection.

"They should, if necessary, update their pertussis vaccine, which provides immunity from whooping cough for between five and six years. The pertussis shot is available in an adult quadrivalent vaccine provided by two pharmaceutical companies in South Africa and through Netcare Travel Clinics. Keeping your pertussis vaccination up to date assists in preventing outbreaks among populations and helps to provide protective 'cocooning effect' for our infants," explains Dr Vincent. "Netcare Travel Clinics has recently received a number of requests for the quadrivalent vaccine from South Africans, and particularly grandparents, who are travelling abroad to see new grandchildren, as a pre-requirement for their visit, and want to ensure that they don't unwittingly put the new-born at risk of contracting whooping cough."

Whooping cough is most common during winter months. Early symptoms may be similar to a common cold, including a runny nose, dry cough and slight fever. Symptoms may worsen and include long bouts of coughing that can in turn cause an individual to vomit. Symptoms generally worsen at night and the coughing can last up to ten weeks. Early treatment with antibiotics can assist in reducing the infectious period and reduce the severity of the infection.

"Parents should seek urgent medical attention for their child should they show symptoms, including severe bouts of coughing, difficulty in breathing and/or turning blue during a bout of coughing, or if the child persistently vomits after coughing," advises Dr Vincent.

"Medicross and Netcare Travel Clinics can assist you with advice and vaccinations for you and your children to protect your health, and also when you are planning a holiday," concludes Dr Vincent.

Ends Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare Travel Clinics and Medicross Contact: Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and Estene Lotriet-Vorster Telephone: (011) 469 3016 Email: [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] or [email protected]

Malaria makes a comeback in SA

As the northern parts of South Africa head into their rainy summer season, visitors to areas where malaria is endemic are warned to pay the necessary attention to protecting themselves from the dangerous mosquito-borne illness.

"Unfortunately, we haven't seen the last of malaria in South Africa, which by all indications is making something of a come back, and over the last year there have been a number of cases reported from areas where it was previously thought to have been eliminated, such as the Waterberg District in the north-east of Limpopo province," observed Dr Peter Vincent of Netcare Travel Clinics and Medicross Tokai.

"The rainy summer season in the northern parts of South Africa is associated with an increase in the numbers of malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquito and a considerably enhanced risk of contracting the illness within the endemic areas of southern Africa. The risk is highest between September through to the following May, which is considered to be 'malaria season' in South Africa," added Dr Vincent.

Dr Vincent warned that malaria infection can result in serious, complications, particularly if it is not identified and treated at an early stage. He said that Netcare Travel Clinics is consequently advising travellers to do their homework before visiting areas where malaria may be present. This is particularly important as the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) recently proposed expanding the malaria risk areas within South Africa.

"Make sure you know where these areas are and understand what kinds of precautions may be necessary ahead of your trip. Malaria poses a risk in the northern parts of Limpopo province, eastern Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal as well as in parts of neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Dr Vincent noted that the NICD earlier this year, warned that there was an increased risk of acquiring malaria in endemic areas both inside and beyond the borders of the country. In addition, based on its infection data, the NICD has now proposed a change in its Malaria Risk Map for South Africa for the first time since 2013.

The map, which was published in the NICD's Communicable Diseases Communiqué of September 2018, and was yet to be approved by the Department of Health at the time of writing, proposes extending the low-risk malaria areas to as far west as Lephalale in Limpopo province and medium-risk areas to beyond Musina in the west, and Hoedspruit in the north west.

The NICD recommends visitors to low-risk areas take precautions against being bitten by mosquitos, but advises additional measures, including the use of appropriate prophylaxis medications, when visiting medium- or high-risk areas in Southern Africa.

"Should any traveller to a malaria area develop flu-like symptoms for up to six months following their trip, they should have an urgent blood test for malaria. This is extremely important, as malaria is commonly misdiagnosed as flu and this can have serious, sometimes even fatal, consequences for the individual involved," warns Dr Vincent.

"When visiting one of the higher risk areas, we recommend you adopt a comprehensive prevention strategy that not only includes the use of a prophylaxis medication that is prescribed by your doctor, or travel clinic, but to also adopt the necessary measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitos," added Dr Vincent.

Dr Vincent advised those who are visiting any area where there may be a risk of contracting malaria, to use insect repellents containing DEET on all areas of the skin that are exposed, and to sleep under DEET-impregnated mosquito nets at all times of the year.

He pointed out, although it may be active throughout the day on overcast days, the malaria-carrying mosquito is usually a dusk to dawn feeder and advised people to change into long sleeved shirts and blouses, long trousers and socks as evening approaches.

"Many South Africans are still not aware of the very real dangers that malaria can pose to their health. Netcare Travel Clinics consequently urges them to keep this in mind ahead of travelling to a malaria area this summer, and to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families," concludes Dr Vincent.

The NICD's September 2018 Communicable Diseases Communiqué and proposed revised malaria prevalence map may be seen at the following web link: http://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/NICD-Communicable-Diseases-Communique_Sept2018_final.pdf

Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare Travel Clinics Contact: Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and Estene Lotriet-Vorster Telephone: (011) 469 3016 Email: [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] or [email protected]

Tick infestations prompt warnings of tick borne diseases

Heavy tick infestations are being reported by visitors to areas such as the Botswana Central Kalahari Game reserves and the Waterberg in Limpopo, and Netcare travel clinics has cautioned travellers to these regions to take measures to protect themselves from tick-borne diseases.

"There is uncertainty as to what has caused these infestations but it has been suggested that the high rainfall and temperatures that have been prevalent in these areas in recent weeks, as well as the lack of veld fires may have contributed to these infestations," says Dr Pete Vincent of Netcare travel clinics and Medicross family medical and dental centres, Tokai.

"Whatever the cause of the infestations, it should be kept in mind that ticks commonly carry diseases such as spotted fever rickettsiosis, or tick bite fever, and occasionally the more dangerous Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, which is fortunately not common in our country. However, African tick bite fever is a commonly reported infection in South Africa, where it is endemic in areas such as the East Coast, Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Drakensberg area and the Kruger National Park," says Dr Vincent.

"Visitors to any bushveld areas of the country that have experienced high rainfalls in recent weeks, including the northern regions of South Africa and neighbouring countries, should therefore be vigilant of ticks and tick-bite fever, and take precautions against being bitten by these parasitic arthropods."

He says that it is advisable for those who go on hikes or walks through long grass, or who come in close contact with cattle and other animals, to be particularly careful.

"Inspect your clothes and body for ticks immediately after potential exposure, particularly on the legs, groin and hair line while in an area where there may be ticks. Extracting any ticks as soon as possible using tweezers can greatly reduce the chances of becoming infected with a tick-borne disease," adds Dr Vincent.

"One can also take other precautions before going for walks, such as wearing long trousers that are tucked into long socks and boots or closed shoes. A tick repellent spray product containing pyrethroid can also be sprayed onto clothing and leggings, and onto tent groundsheets."

According to Dr Vincent, the severity of tick bite fever can vary widely, but if it is not treated promptly, it is often a debilitating illness, running its course over two weeks or so, and cause high fevers, muscle pain, rashes and severe headaches. The incubation period is usually eight days and an infected bite usually forms a black centre (eschar) with tender swollen local lymph nodes. "Those who have been bitten by a tick and who develop such symptoms should therefore urgently seek medical attention. Treatment is usually with a tetracycline antibiotic which should minimise the impact of the illness and prevent any possible complications."

Issued by:           Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Netcare Travel Clinics Contact :               Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, and Meggan Saville Telephone:        (011) 469 3016 Email:                   [email protected] , [email protected] or [email protected]

Outbreaks stoke concerns that a severe flu season is in store for SA

"The countries within the northern hemisphere, such as the United States, have had a relatively severe 2017/2018 flu season. That is usually an indication that we may also have a bad flu season here in South Africa during our upcoming winter months," observes Dr Vincent.

"If you consider that flu-related complications result in the death of between a 6 000 to 11 000 South Africans every year, and thousands of economically productive hours are lost as a result of the illness, we would argue that every flu season is severe, particularly for those who are more at risk," he notes.

"All South Africans who want to protect themselves and their families this upcoming flu season, which is usually considered to run from April through to August, should consider having a flu shot.

"The influenza vaccine is still considered by healthcare authorities the world over, including our National Institute of Communicable Diseases [NICD], to offer individuals and communities the best protection available against influenza. And, for those who are at high risk of developing potentially serious complications such as pneumonia, the vaccine should be mandatory," comments Dr Vincent.

He advises that sportspeople or other South Africans who have contracted flu refrain from engaging in sports, extended periods of strenuous physical activity and physical exercise until their doctor gives them the go-ahead, as the combination of flu and exercise can have serious long-term health consequences.

According to Dr Vincent, the H3N2 influenza virus strain has proved particularly virulent in the United States this year, and he says that this strain has been strongly associated with complications such as pneumonia.

"Bacterial pneumonia can be very dangerous for anyone, but is particularly so for high-risk individuals, such as the elderly, babies, small children, pregnant women and anyone else with a compromised immune system. Such individuals should also seriously consider having the pneumonia vaccine administered along with the flu shot.

"A new single dose vaccine is available which protects against the common streptococcus bacteria that causes pneumonia. This vaccine can provide many years of protection against this dangerous illness, and life-long protection for those over the age of 60," he advises.

The flu vaccine is developed annually according to World Health Organization (WHO) strain recommendations, for both the southern and northern hemisphere flu seasons. The annual southern hemisphere vaccine, which is available to South Africans, usually provides protection from the three strains of the flu virus that are identified by WHO researchers as likely to be the most prevalent during that particular season.

"It has been estimated that in South Africa some 50% of flu-related deaths occur in the elderly and approximately 30% in people with HIV/Aids. This underscores just how important it is to protect such at-risk groups of people in particular," observes Dr Vincent.

He suggests that the individuals most at risk of developing serious complications from flu include:

• Those who are 65 years of age and older;
• Individuals who have respiratory conditions such as asthma and emphysema;
• People who may have compromised immune systems such as HIV-positive individuals, or those undergoing radiation or chemotherapy for cancer;
• Those who have chronic conditions such as heart or kidney failure or diabetes;
• Women who are in their second or third trimester of pregnancy;
• Babies and small children.

"Despite what we may read on Facebook, the flu vaccine is safe and, while it does not always offer a complete safeguard against the illness, it does usually offer a good measure of protection. In fact, this vaccine can and does save many lives every year and we recommend that all South Africans should consider having it," concludes Dr Vincent.

Issued by:           Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Netcare Travel Clinics and Medicross Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville or Estene Lotriet-Vorster Telephone:        (011) 469 3016 Email:                   [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] or [email protected]

Travellers to Madagascar urged to take precautions following outbreak of plague

Friday, 20 October 2017, People who are planning to travel to Madagascar are advised to consult a travel doctor about means of preventing infection as the island country faces an outbreak of bubonic and pneumonic plague.

"The World Health Organization [WHO] notes that it is relatively common for Madagascar to experience cases of bubonic plague at this time of year, which is usually spread from animals to humans," says Dr Pete Vincent of Netcare Travel Clinics and Tokai Medicross.

"This year, more cases of pneumonic plague have been recorded and the outbreak is affecting urban areas beyond the usual geographic pattern, which is of concern as this form of plague is passed from person to person through contact with infected bodily fluids and respiratory droplets."

Dr Vincent says that while the chance of travellers contracting plague remains low, those planning to visit the country should familiarise themselves with the potential risks and measures that can be taken to keep themselves safe ahead of their departure.

According to WHO, there were 849 cases of plague, although not all were clinically confirmed, in Madagascar between 1 August and 15 October with a fatality rate of just under 8%. "The South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases [NICD] recommends that anyone travelling to Madagascar avoid densely populated areas and contact with people who are ill. It is also advised that individuals wear surgical masks during travel to reduce the chance of pneumonic plague infection.

"Since the plague in its bubonic form is transmitted to humans by infected rodent fleas, people should do everything possible to prevent contact with rodents, and this includes animal carcasses," Dr Vincent notes.

He advises using pesticides, such as Doom, to eliminate fleas in indoor areas, vehicles and camping equipment. "Another useful precaution against flea bites is the use of insect repellent fabric sprays, such as Permethrin. Insect repellent can be sprayed on collars, cuffs and the bottoms of long pants, as well as curtains, bedding and car seats to help deter fleas and mosquitoes alike."

Dr Vincent warns that plague is potentially a life-threatening condition. Early symptoms of bubonic plague include painful inflammation of the lymph node, while the onset of pneumonic plague is often accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, coughing and weakness.

"Anyone who suspects they could have been exposed to infection or notices these symptoms while travelling in plague endemic areas should seek medical advice immediately, as early treatment can greatly improve the outcome," he notes.

"Travellers should also not overlook the risk of malaria when visiting Madagascar, even though the media is at present highlighting the plague outbreak more prominently," Dr Vincent warns.

"Malaria remains a very serious health risk to those visiting Madagascar. A visit to your local travel clinic in advance of your trip can ensure that you are protected with the prophylaxis and preventative measures most appropriate for you."

Steps to prevent mosquito bites:

• Apply a good quality DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) insect repellent.
• If you are wearing sun protection lotion, apply insect repellent after the sunscreen.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Mosquitoes are unlikely to bite on areas covered by clothing, particularly if the clothing is loose-fitting.
• Protect yourself with a mosquito net when sleeping. Remember to check that there are no rips in the fabric and ensure that you do not let the fabric rest against your skin, as mosquitoes could bite you through the netting.

References:

• http://www.nicd.ac.za/index.php/update-plague-outbreak-in-madagascar/
• http://www.who.int/ith/updates/20171003/en/
• http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2017/response-plague-madagascar/en/
• https://www.healthline.com/health/plague

Issued by:           MNA on behalf of Netcare Travel Clinics and Tokai Medicross Contact:               Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and Pieter Rossouw         Telephone:        (011) 469 3016 Email:                   [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] , or [email protected]

Vigilance advised following Zimbabwe typhoid outbreak

Friday, 13 January 2017, A recent outbreak of typhoid fever in neighbouring Zimbabwe is cause for vigilance but not alarm, cautions Dr Pete Vincent of Netcare Travel Clinics and Tokai Medicross.

“In southern Africa, a spike in typhoid cases at this time of year is not unusual. As there is a lot of cross-border traffic over the festive season, however, it is important that the public should be aware of the symptoms of typhoid fever and the importance of seeking medical attention early in the event of them experiencing fever or flu-like symptoms,” Dr Vincent says.

“In the early stages, typhoid and malaria may present similar symptoms and both of these are potentially life-threatening conditions – particularly if medical help is not sought immediately.”

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) advises that anyone presenting with fever or flu-like symptoms, who either lives in a malaria area or has visited a malaria transmission area, should first be tested for this mosquito-borne illness.

“This is because malaria can very quickly develop into a life-threatening condition but with early detection and treatment, it can be effectively managed. While typhoid fever is also potentially life-threatening, malaria treatment must commence early in the onset of illness in order to be effective, while the window period for typhoid treatment is slightly longer. Malaria is also associated with a higher probability of complications if treatment does not commence very soon once symptoms appear,” Dr Vincent says.

Typhoid is a bacterial illness spread via the faecal-oral route, through contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. In addition to the flu-like symptoms and fever, other symptoms may include nausea, abdominal pain, weakness, constipation or diarrhoea, loss of appetite and, sometimes, a rash of flat rose-coloured spots on the skin.

“It is possible for a person to carry the Salmonella Typhi bacteria that causes typhoid without falling ill, and for such individuals to transmit the illness to others. People who fall ill with typhoid may also be infectious even when the symptoms subside.”

Tips for prevention of typhoid fever

• Consult a travel doctor if you are planning a visit to a typhoid area and discuss whether having a typhoid vaccine is advisable.
• Drink bottled water, preferably sparkling mineral water, rather than tap water and check that the seal on the bottle lid is intact when you open it, to ensure the contents have not been replaced with ordinary tap water.
• Brush teeth with bottled water.
• Avoid ice, as it may have been made with contaminated water.
• If bottled water is not available, either bring the water to a rolling boil for a few minutes or treat it with a water purification tablet to ensure it is safe.
• Wash hands often and thoroughly with soap and use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially after going to the toilet and before and after handling food.
• Practise good food hygiene, and only eat foods that are freshly prepared and served steaming hot – preferably from a busy restaurant with a high turnover.
• Be careful when eating raw or undercooked foods, including vegetables, salads, meat and seafood. Eat only fruit that can be peeled or cut open such as bananas, oranges, pineapples and pawpaws.
• Be aware that travellers returning from typhoid areas may be infectious, even if they do not fall ill themselves.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms.

  Tips for prevention of malaria

• Well before travelling to an area where malaria is endemic, visit a travel clinic for advice on malaria prophylaxis.
• Apply a good quality DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) mosquito repellent.
• If you are wearing sun protection lotion, apply mosquito repellent after the sunscreen.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Mosquitoes are less likely to bite on areas covered by clothing, particularly if the clothing is loose-fitting.
• Permethrin insect repellent fabric sprays are very useful to spray on collars, cuffs and the bottoms of long pants, as well as curtains, bedding and mosquito nets.
• Always seek medical attention immediately if you experience fever or flu-like symptoms during or after travel. Malaria incubation may take up to 40 days.

Issued by: Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Netcare Travel Clinics Contact :  Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and Pieter Rossouw Telephone: (011) 469 3016 Email:    [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] and [email protected]

Travellers and hikers urged to be cautious of tick borne diseases

Tuesday, 07 February 2017, Ticks are most prevalent in South Africa during the warmer months of the year, and Netcare Travel Clinics urges travellers, international visitors, hikers, campers and farmers to be vigilant of potentially debilitating and serious tick-borne diseases at this time of the year.

Dr Pete Vincent of the Netcare Travel Clinics and Medicross Family Medical and Dental Centres, Tokai, warns that tick-borne diseases, such as spotted fever rickettsiosis, commonly known as tick bite fever, and the more dangerous Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), occur more commonly on the southern African sub-continent between November and April every year.

“Taking precautions, including checking yourself for, and removing, ticks daily after having been potentially exposed to them, greatly decreases the chances of becoming infected with such tick borne diseases,” he adds.

“While the occurrence of CCHF in South Africa is rare, the same can unfortunately not be said of common African tick bite fever,” states Dr Vincent. “African tick bite fever can occur around the country and sub-continent, but in SA it is endemic in areas such as the Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and the Kruger National Park. It is, in addition, found on the East Coast of South Africa throughout the year, and is one of the most commonly reported infections among international visitors.” “The National Institute of Communicable Diseases [NICD] has reported that a number of Johannesburg residents have presented with mild febrile illness with rash in recent weeks, which may be as a result of tick bite fever, although the cause of these infections is currently being investigated.”

According to Dr Vincent, the severity of tick bite fever can vary widely, and if it is not treated promptly with antibiotics can be a most unpleasant illness, causing high fevers, muscle pain and severe headaches, and can lay a sufferer low for two weeks or more.

“It is essential to see your doctor if you have been bitten by a tick and start developing symptoms such as fever, headache and rash. Early treatment with a tetracycline antibiotic should resolve the illness early and prevent further possible complications.

“In January, the NICD has confirmed two cases of CCHF, which is usually tick-borne and can be life-threatening, in farmers from the Western and Northern Cape,” adds Dr Vincent. “The risk of travellers getting the CCHF infection is extremely low, however. CCHF is generally seen in people who come into regular contact with livestock in endemic areas such as the Free State and Northern Cape.”

“People who walk through long grass or come in close contact with cattle should be particularly vigilant of ticks that may be carrying infection, and take steps to avoid being bitten by them. It should be noted that ticks on dogs and other mammals in urban and peri-urban areas may also potentially carry tick bite fever.

“With tick bite fever there is usually an eight-day incubation period. The bite site will develop black scabs, known as eschars, which can result in open wounds and swelling of lymph glands close to the bite site. At day eight, one usually gets onset fever, muscle pain and a headache. Three days later patients can present a macular or skin rash that appears as small, flat red spots,” says Dr Vincent.

“The onset of CCHF, on the other hand, is sudden. Patients may have a range of flu-like symptoms including headaches, high fever, muscle pain, lower back pain, cold shivers and hot sweats. As the illness progresses, severe bruising and nosebleeds could occur. ”

Dr Vincent recommends the following precautionary measures to protect against tick-borne diseases:

• Check whether the area and place you are visiting has a high prevalence of tick bite diseases.
• Wear long trousers that can be tucked into long socks and boots or closed shoes.
• A DEET based mosquito repellent can be used on your lower legs.
• For added protection spray fabric insecticides, such as Permethrin, onto your clothing and leggings.
• Inspect your clothes and body for ticks immediately after potential exposure particularly along the legs, groin and hair line. This should be done at the end of each day while in a potential exposed area.
• Extract any ticks as soon as possible using tweezers. The tweezers should be placed as close as possible to the skin, over the tick’s mouthparts. The tick should be pulled slowly, straight up and out, with care taken not to squeeze its stomach contents into the bite site.

“Should you be bitten by a tick, the affected area can be washed with soap and water, and an antihistamine ointment or mild cortisone cream applied. You can also take an oral antihistamine. Ticks should be removed before the affected area is cleaned. It is not advisable to try to burn the tick or use kerosene, turpentine or petroleum jelly to remove it,” concludes Dr Vincent.

Issued by:    Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Netcare Travel Clinics Contact :     Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and Pieter Rossouw Telephone:   (011) 469 3016 Email:           [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] and [email protected]

Travellers urged to be cautious following bird flu outbreaks

Tuesday, 31 January 2017, Some 40 countries have reported outbreaks of avian flu, commonly known as bird flu, in wild birds and domestic poultry since November 2016. Since September 2016, a total of 120 people have been infected with a certain strain of this infectious illness in China. As many as a third of these individuals died as a result of the infection.

According to Dr Pete Vincent of Netcare Travel Clinics and Tokai Medicross, these avian flu figures were recently reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centre for Diseases Control (CDC) in the United States. “South Africans, particularly those who are travelling, should be vigilant and avoid contact with birds, bird droppings, poultry farms and markets, as well as eating undercooked poultry and soft eggs,” advises Dr Vincent.

“Certain strains of bird flu, such as the influenza A H7N9 that is being reported from China, are highly contagious and could pose a serious threat to one’s health. Netcare Travel Clinics would advise travellers to China to be on the alert, although there is no cause for undue alarm,” he adds. “The CDC has issued a travel alert for China recommending that visitors avoid all contact with birds as far as possible when travelling to the country. However, the CDC has not recommended against travel to China. ”

“Local clinicians who see patients who present with respiratory illness within 10 days of returning from China, should have them screened for H7N9 avian flu,” notes Dr Vincent.

Meanwhile the WHO has also recently reported outbreaks in wild birds and domestic poultry of the influenza A H5N8 bird flu strain in some 24 countries on the European continent as well various countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. WHO says that this strain carries a relatively low risk for transmission from birds to humans, but points out that there is nevertheless still a risk of cross infection.

Dr Vincent added that bird flu is occasionally reported in bird populations in South Africa but it has not been known to have been transmitted to humans here. “A H7N2 strain was reported in an ostrich flock on a farm in the Western Cape in October last year. This outbreak was quickly and effectively isolated by authorities.”

The local National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reports in its January 2017 Communicable Diseases Communiqué that the most common type of influenza currently found in the northern hemisphere is Influenza A (H3N2). This is not related to avian flu and a vaccine is available for travellers.

“The 2016 southern hemisphere influenza vaccine is identical to the 2016/7 northern hemisphere vaccine, therefore South African travellers to the northern hemisphere may use a locally acquired vaccine prior to travel,” says the NCID.

The CDC* says that travellers should take the following measures to protect themselves when visiting China:

• Avoid touching birds no matter whether they are alive or dead.
• Avoid live bird or poultry markets, and particularly places where birds are being slaughtered.
• Avoid places that might be contaminated with bird faeces.
• Only eat food that is fully cooked.
• Avoid eating dishes or drinks that include blood from any animal.
• As a general precaution, do not eat food from street vendors.
• Practice good hand hygiene and cleanliness.
• If you feel sick after visiting China, talk to your doctor particularly if you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

* https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/avian-flu-h7n9 .

Enhanced yellow fever precautions advised amid outbreak

Tuesday, 3 May 2016, People intending to travel to Angola are urged to seek advice from travel doctors as that country is experiencing a yellow fever outbreak, which has claimed at least 238 lives since December 2015.

A recent newsflash issued by the South African Society of Travel Medicine (SASTM) said that the Ugandan Ministry for Health has now also confirmed a yellow fever outbreak in Masaka and Kebisoni in the Rukungiri district of Uganda. This comes after Kenya announced its decision to bar Ugandans without proof of yellow fever vaccination from entering its territory.

The government of Uganda is reportedly in discussions with the World Health Organization (WHO) to explore ways of rolling out a mass vaccination programme in areas where yellow fever cases have been confirmed.  

In addition a number of ‘imported’ cases, occurring in travellers who recently returned from Angola, have been reported. Nine cases were identified in China, three in the Democratic Republic of Congo, two in Kenya and one in Mauritania.   

“It is standard protocol to have the compulsory yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days prior to travelling to any area where the virus is endemic, to ensure that it is effective, and Angola has recently been categorised as a higher risk country for yellow fever,” says Dr Pete Vincent of Netcare Travel Clinics and Medicross Tokai family medical and dental centre.

Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by a day-biting mosquito, and circulates between infected monkeys or humans and mosquitoes. There is no cure for the disease but there is an effective vaccine to prevent it. Yellow fever occurs mainly in the tropical parts of Africa, South America, eastern Panama in Central America as well as Trinidad in the Caribbean. The illness develops within six days of a person being bitten by an infected mosquito, and the onset is usually sudden. Fever develops with headache, body and back pains and, most often, nausea and vomiting.

In most cases, infection is not life-threatening. Around one in 15 people, however, fall ill with a second ‘toxic’ phase of the disease, which can be fatal. This second phase has many of the same symptoms of the first phase, but patients also develop a yellow complexion, or ‘yellow jaundice’, as a result of liver damage and bleeding. Severe damage to the major organs such as the liver, kidneys and heart is caused by the disease. The mortality rate is high in those who develop a severe form of the disease.

“International health regulations regarding yellow fever are clear, and travellers who have not been vaccinated may be refused entry into a country or even face quarantine under certain circumstances. Travellers who have been vaccinated against yellow fever are issued with an internationally recognised vaccination certificate for inspection by immigration officials. This strict control is maintained to ensure that both individual travellers and wider communities in their home countries are protected against outbreaks and the spread of this disease,” Dr Vincent explains.

“Foreigners without the vaccination certificate, who try to gain entry to South Africa from an area where yellow fever is prevalent, will not be allowed into the country and may be sent home. South Africans trying to re-enter the country after visiting yellow fever areas without a valid vaccination certificate also face the prospect of quarantine,” Dr Vincent adds.

The WHO has warned that babies aged younger than nine months, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid travelling to yellow fever areas. Where travel is necessary, vaccination should be discussed with a travel doctor.

“People with compromised immune systems, such as those who are HIV positive or are living with cancer, and the elderly are also advised to discuss their options with a travel doctor,” Dr Vincent notes.

“People who have severe allergies to chicken and egg protein, gelatine, or any other substances contained in the vaccination, are cautioned against having the yellow fever vaccine, and are accordingly urged not to travel to yellow fever areas.”

While the WHO guidelines state that a single vaccination is generally sufficient to provide lifelong protection against yellow fever, the majority of African and South American countries where yellow fever is endemic, require that patients are vaccinated every 10 years and will refuse entry unless the booster dose is reflected on the international vaccination documents. Given this situation Dr Vincent advises all travellers to consult a travel doctor to make certain whether they require a booster dose after 10 years or not.

Dr Vincent further advises travellers to take special precautions against mosquito bites, not only because there are a number of unpleasant diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, but also due to fact that the irritation these insects cause can detract from the pleasure of travel. 

• Apply a good-quality DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) mosquito repellent to any exposed skin.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Mosquitoes are less likely to bite on areas covered by clothing, particularly if the clothing is loose fitting.
• Protect yourself with a mosquito net while sleeping. Remember to check that there are no rips in the fabric and ensure that you do not let the fabric rest against your skin, as mosquitoes could bite you through the netting.

Deep vein thrombosis

Sitting still for long periods of time while travelling in aircraft, trains or motor vehicles may cause some individuals to suffer blood clotting, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be life-threatening.

Sitting still for long periods of time while travelling in aircraft, trains or motor vehicles may cause some individuals to suffer blood clotting, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be life-threatening. DVT usually occurs in the legs (either calves or thighs). The danger is when the clots are large enough to block an important blood vessel in the leg or when the clots move into the lungs and inhibit their ability to take in oxygen.

DVT usually develops towards the end of a trip or just after, although some people may only develop problems weeks later. DVT may cause the leg to become painful and swollen. On the other hand it may not be noticeable as it may not result in pain or other noticeable signs whatsoever. Some individuals may develop blood clots without being aware that they did because the clots dissipate harmlessly on their own.

Adults are at greater risk of developing DVT, particularly older and less healthy individuals, people with abnormalities of the blood that predisposes it to clotting. It is extremely rare for children to develop DVT.

Other risk factors for developing DVT

• A family or personal history of DVT
• Hormone therapies such as taking a contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Pregnancy and two months after giving birth
• Cancer and cancer treatment
• Recent surgery
• A history of cardiac disease
• Chronic or acute illnesses
• Over 60 years of age
• Frequent long flights within a short time of each other

Preventative measures to reduce the risk of DVT

• Get up and walk around regularly during a long flight or road or train trip.
• If getting up and walking around is difficult, especially if you have a window seat on an aeroplane, exercise your leg muscles every hour by rotating your ankles vigorously. Keep your toes on the ground and use them as a means of resistance while working your ankles up and down.
• Wear loose clothing as tight clothing can restrict blood flow and your body may also swell.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Avoid alcohol and too much coffee or tea as these can contribute to dehydration.
• Anti-thrombosis socks can offer a measure of protection to those at high risk of developing DVT.
• Correctly fitting socks can help to improve the blood flow. However it is very important that such socks are fitted by a professional as it can otherwise restrict blood flow and cause more harm than good.
• doctor may prescribe anti-coagulant prophylaxis for very high risk travellers.

If you are a high risk individual visit your doctor or nearest Netcare Travel Clinic before embarking on a long journey. The doctor will assess your risks and recommend ways of keeping these to a minimum.

Malaria is a potentially fatal illness which is widespread in Africa and may also be present in other tropical and sub-tropical regions. The disease is caused by a parasite which is transmitted to humans when they are bitten by infected mosquitoes.

High and low risk malaria areas

In South Africa, the risk of contracting malaria is highest from September to May. The relatively low risk is confined to the far north of KwaZulu-Natal and mosquito-borne disease may also be present in the north-western parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces.

Other parts of Africa with particularly high rates of malaria throughout the year are Mozambique, Malawi, Angola, the DRC, Sudan, Uganda and all the West African countries. Seasonal malaria are found in parts of Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.

Preventing malaria

If you are planning to travel to a malaria area, you should take the following precautions to protect yourself:

• Consult your travel clinic timeously to find out what malaria prophylaxis you should be taking, and take it as prescribed. Note that some medication must be started a week before departure. While none of the prophylaxis available offer complete protection on their own, they certainly do provide a large measure of protection, including cerebral malaria. It is not true that diagnosing malaria is more difficult if a person has used prophylaxis.
• Mosquitoes are most active at dusk, so stay indoors at that time if possible. Alternatively protect yourself against mosquitoes by wearing long trousers and shirtsleeves and socks with your shoes to minimise exposed skin.
• Use an effective mosquito repellent, and to reapply it to exposed skin regularly, as indicated.
• Tents and other accommodation should be protected with mosquito gauze and treated regularly with mosquito repellent. A fabric spray for tents, curtains, bedding and also clothes are useful for added protection, as are electric repellent mats and burning coils.
• Ensure you’re protected whilst sleeping. Sleep under a repellent-treated mosquito net.

Look out for symptoms indicating possible malaria, even if you have taken prescribed prophylaxis and other precautions. Symptoms usually start from a week to two weeks after first being bitten but very occasionally the disease may only start presenting after a few months.

Symptoms of malaria may include flu-like symptoms or gastro-intestinal disease symptoms , for example fever, generalised body aches, chills, tiredness, headaches, sore throat, coughing in children, diarrhoea and nausea.

Even if you take malaria medication, you can still contract malaria, albeit in a milder form.

All persons who had possibly been exposed to malaria and who develop influenza-like illnesses or fever within seven days after entering a malaria area should seek immediate medical attention!

These symptoms may not be dramatic, and can easily be mistaken for influenza or gastro-enteritis. However deterioration can be sudden and dramatic. A high swing in fever may develop, with marked shivering and dramatic perspiration. Complications of a serious nature, such as the kidneys or brain (cerebral malaria) being affected may then follow. Cerebral malaria is extremely serious, with the patient becoming delirious and going into a coma. Cerebral malaria is frequently fatal, and it is extremely important that all suspected cases of malaria should receive immediate medical attention.

Urgent blood tests must be taken to check for possible malaria infection. Even if the test is negative, testing should continue until a diagnosis is made.

Travellers’ diarrhoea

Travellers’ diarrhoea can be caused by many different organisms including bacteria such as E.coli and SalmTwelvella, parasites such as Giardia and viruses such as norovirus. All these organisms are spread through the faecal-oral route, i.e. eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or through contact between the mouth and dirty hands, crockery and cutlery.

Travellers to resource-limited areas should drink bottled water – preferably the carbonated variety – from sealed bottles only and only use ice made from ‘safe’ water. Brush your teeth with bottled water and keep your mouth closed while showering. Alternatively water can be disinfected by boiling, filtering, adding chlorine or iodine.

Only eat food that has been thoroughly cooked, processed, packaged or peeled. Cooked food should be piping hot.

Remember that loose stools may also result from a change in diet, for example eating food that is more spicy or oily.

Rehydration - The priority in treatment is preventing dehydration, especially in young children. Clear fluids such as specifically prepared oral rehydrating solutions such as Rehydrate (available from pharmacies) or diluted fruit juices should be drunk diluted fruit. All rehydrating drinks must be prepared with safe water.

Antidiarrhoeal agents - These agents should be used for mild or moderate diarrhoea only. Note that overuse can cause rebound constipation. Antidiarrhoeal agents should not be used if there is blood or mucous in the stool and/or high fever or severe abdominal pain. These symptoms indicate invasive diarrhoea (dysentery), and antidiarrhoeal agents will increase the risk of complications such as septicaemia. Seek medical attention if these symptoms are present.

Antibiotics - In the majority of cases, travellers’ diarrhoea will resolve within three to five days with rehydration only. Antibiotics are effective against bacteria, which are the cause of most cases of the disease but will not improve diarrhoea which resulted from other causes. Antibiotics should improve diarrhoea with Twelve to two days.

Intravenous fluids - Marked vomiting, fever, pain, bleeding or dehydration requires hospital referral so that intravenous fluids can be administered.

Pregnant women cautioned about mosquito-borne Zika virus

Pregnant women travelling to a number of countries in the equatorial regions as well as Central and South America which are affected by the Zika virus, are urged to discuss the risks with a travel doctor before travelling. The virus has been linked to the development of microcephaly in unborn babies, and pregnant women should take every possible precaution against it.

The Zika virus, transmitted by the Aedes genus of mosquitoes, was previously restricted to equatorial regions, but over the last two years it has spread to other areas, most notably Central and South America.

According to the BBC1, since October 2015 there have been almost 4 000 cases of microcephaly in Brazil, a medical condition characterised by smaller and under-developed skulls and brains in infants. Affected children usually have reduced life expectancy, limited brain function and suffer seizures. This represents a significant spike in cases of this previously rare disorder, which seems to correspond with the arrival of the Zika virus in Brazil. In Colombia, the health ministry has even gone so far as to advise women to avoid falling pregnant while the outbreak persists.

While the link between this mosquito-borne virus and the neurological disorder in infants whose mothers were infected with the Zika virus is still under investigation, the United States’ Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention have issued travel advisories for pregnant women.

The most common symptoms of illness from the Zika virus disease include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness itself is usually relatively mild and persists for up to a week. Severe illness from the virus, as would require hospitalisation, is rare.

The CDC is encouraging pregnant women travelling to affected countries, including Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean, to exercise enhanced precautions. These include measures to protect themselves against daytime feeding mosquitos, which can transmit the virus.

Pregnant women should consider postponing non-essential travel to countries where the Zika virus is endemic, as the implications of infection for the unborn child can be devastating.

Where travel cannot be avoided, pregnant women should discuss the risks with a travel doctor, for example at Netcare Travel Clinics or select Medicross centres situated across South Africa, who will be able to provide in-depth advice regarding the necessary precautions. There are, however, no vaccinations or prophylactic medications available to prevent infection and so it is advisable to protect oneself against the mosquito bites that transmit the virus.

A few cases have been reported in US travellers returning from known Zika virus hotspots, but not of direct transmission in North America. It has also been reported 1 that the virus could potentially be sexually transmitted, although this is has yet to be medically confirmed.

Steps to prevent mosquito bites

• Apply a good-quality DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) mosquito repellent, which has been approved as safe for pregnancy at a 30% concentration to any exposed skin.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Mosquitoes are highly unlikely to bite on areas covered by clothing, particularly if the clothing is loose fitting.
• Protect yourself while sleeping with a mosquito net. Remember to check that there are no rips in the fabric and ensure that you do not let the fabric rest against your skin as mosquitoes could bite you through the netting.

1 Brazil Zika outbreak: More babies born with birth defects BBC (Retrieved 21 January 2016), www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-35368401

2 Petersen EE, Staples JE, Meaney-Delman, D, et al. Interim Guidelines for Pregnant Women During a Zika Virus Outbreak — United States, 2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65 (Early Release):1–4. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6502e1er

For any travel health related enquiries, please contact us at [email protected]

South African Society of Travel Medicine

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Guiding the Profession, Protecting the Public

The SASTM’s mission is to guide the profession in all aspects relating to the practice of travel medicine, liaise with the travel industry, consult with relevant authorities, advise the public and collaborate nationally and internationally on all aspects relating to Travel medicine.

Upcoming Events

SASTM Travel Medicine Conference – Stellenbosch

16 – 19 October 2024

Membership Renewal / Applications for 2024

SASTM Travel Medicine Course 2025 – Johannesburg

21 – 25 May 202 5

Past Events

SASTM Travel Medicine Course 2024 – Johannesburg

08 – 12 May 2024

SASTM Travel Medicine Update – Rosebank

18 November 2023

SASTM Post-Pandemic Travel Health Update – Cape Town

November 2022

Become a Member of SASTM

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SASTM Registered Travel Health Clinics

Travel clinics are medical facilities that specialize in the practice of travel medicine. The field primarily focuses on providing preventive medical care, such as administering vaccinations against tropical diseases such as yellow fever and typhoid fever as well as prescribing medications to prevent malaria.

Travel Vaccines and Advice for South Africa

South Africa provides a diverse experience for travellers with a variety of landscapes and cultures.

There are nine official ethnic groups in South Africa. The largest communities include people with European, Asian and multiracial descent.

Due to this large number of different ethnicities, there are 11 official languages. This is the most official languages of any country in the world. There are also many different religions practiced throughout the country.

South Africa hold three major capital cities including Cape Town, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein.

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for South Africa? Do I Need a Visa or Passport for South Africa? What is the Climate Like in South Africa? How Safe is South Africa? Wine in South Africa What Should I Take To South Africa? U.S. Consulate in South Africa

Do I Need Vaccines for South Africa?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for South Africa. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for South Africa: hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , yellow fever , rabies , meningitis , polio , measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) , chickenpox , shingles , pneumonia and influenza .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Accelerated schedule available
• Typhoid – Food & Water – Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
• Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required if travelling from a country with yellow fever transmission.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay.
• Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
• TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
• Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
• Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
• Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
• Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
• Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
• Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Many of the countries surrounding South Africa require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if you will need the vaccine.

Malaria is present in some regions of South Africa. Use mosquito repellents, netting and antimalarials if you are travelling to these areas.

Medical facilities are common and in good condition in urban areas and near game parks. But, facilities are limited in rural areas. Most facilities only accept cash payments before a procedure is done. Medicare does not cover these expenses.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now .

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Passport health – travel vaccines for south africa, do i need a visa or passport for south africa.

For all tourist and business stays under 90 days, Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter South Africa. If you are going to require a visa, you will be required to attend an interview in person with valid documents and may be subjected to a biometric scan. This can be done at either the High Commission or Consulate-General for South Africa.

Sources: Embassy of South Africa and Canadian Travel and Tourism

If travelling from a country that has yellow fever, you must have proof of immunization.

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

What is the Climate Like in South Africa?

Due to its size, the climate of South Africa is different depending on the region.

The Southwestern corner of South Africa has a Mediterranean climate.

The interior of South Africa has a temperate climate.

The Northeastern part of South Africa has a subtropical climate.

A small part of the northwest has a desert climate.

Although there is a range of different climates in South Africa, temperatures stay in the mid-30’s in summer and around zero in winter.

The majority of the country experiences warm days and cool nights. There is a rainy season from November to March.

How Safe is South Africa?

Stay away from strikes and political demonstrations for they may often turn violent.

You should be extremely cautious of petty crime including theft and muggings in central business districts, especially at night.

If you are going to a game park in South Africa, do not leave your vehicle out of risk of being attacked by wild animals.

Do not swim alone or at isolated beaches, for riptides can be sudden and dangerous. Be mindful of sharks.

Wine in South Africa

Although many tourists come to South Africa to experience safaris and wildlife, South African wineries are not to be missed.

The best area to experience the wine culture of South Africa is called the Boland.

Towns in this area include Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington and Tulbagh. Among these towns, some of the most popular wineries to visit include KWV, Diemersfontein Wine Farm, and Spier.

The best time of year to visit the Boland region is during April. During this time, wildflowers bloom on the mountainsides.

This area is also perfect for photographers and nature-lovers for its picturesque views.

What Should I Take To South Africa?

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to South Africa:

• Bug Spray — Although the risk of malaria is relatively low, it is a wise idea to bring insect repellent.
• Sunscreen and Hat — The sun can get hot, especially in the summer months. Protect your skin.
• Light-Colored and Lightweight Clothing — Light clothing wards off wild animals such as mosquitoes.
• Fleece or Jacket for the Night-Time – Although it may be hot during the day, South Africa can reach below freezing at night.

Canadian Embassy in South Africa

Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in South Africa, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:

Canadian Embassy in Johannesburg 1103 Arcadia Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa Tel.: 27 (12) 422-3000

If you have any questions about travelling to South Africa or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.

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South africa travel guide - health advice.

Health advice and precautions for visitors to South Africa including preparations before travel, pecautions and health care.

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Health Advice, Preparations and Precautions

While there are risks anywhere you travel, South Africa has a relatively salubrious climate and our levels of hygiene, health care, and water treatment make it a pretty safe destination. There are however, a few points to note and preparations to make before you travel.

Inoculation Requirements

If you're an adult, you won't need any inoculations unless you're travelling from a yellow-fever endemic area (the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America), in which case you will need certification to prove your inoculation status when you arrive in South Africa.

It is recommended that you have the required inoculations four to six weeks before you travel to South Africa. A yellow fever inoculation certificate only becomes valid 10 days after inoculation - after which it remains valid for 10 years.

Hepatitis B inoculations are recommended for children up to the age of 12 who have not completed the series of injections as infants. Booster doses for tetanus and measles can also be administered.

Personal Medicines

Facilities in cities and larger towns are world-class, offering specialist services by highly skilled professionals. Doctors are well trained and must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Medical facilities

You can bring in personal effects, sport and recreational equipment, either as accompanied or unaccompanied baggage, for your own use during your visit. In the case of very expensive articles, you may be required to lodge a cash deposit to cover the potential duty/tax on their re-export. The deposit will be refunded on departure after a customs officer has inspected the items and verified that they are being re-exported.

You will find that in rural areas the clinics and hospitals deal with primary health needs, and may not offer the range of medical care that the large metropolitan hospitals do. Trained medical caregivers are deployed round the country, so help is never far away.

Provincially run emergency services are supplemented by a privately operated services, which attend to roadside and other emergencies, transporting patients in well- equipped ambulances and emergency vehicles to appropriate hospitals.

Pharmacies are well stocked, and equivalents to most international medicines are available. Pharmacists may not dispense Schedule 3 drugs and up without a prescription, so visitors on chronic medication should carry their own prescription.

South African Sun

South Africa has a warm sunny climate and pollution and ozone layer damage has led to extremely high UVA and UVB penetration over South Africa.

Protecting yourself against the harsh sun with sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses is essential - especially between 10am and 4pm, and regardless of whether there is cloud cover or not. You can still get sunburned even if you have a dark complexion - especially if you are from a cooler climate and have not had much exposure to the sun.

Use the highest possible UV protection It is the UVA rays (that don’t cause burning) that you are trying to block out. Ideally you should aim for an SPF of 30 or more to offer protection.

Drinking Water

High quality tap (faucet) water is available in South Africa's urban areas, but not all water in rural areas is safe to drink straight from the tap.

In some areas, the water is mineral rich, and you may experience a bit of gastric distress for a day or two until you get used to it. Bottled mineral water, both sparkling and still, is readily available in most places.

Drinking water straight from rivers and streams could put you at risk of waterborne diseases, especially downstream of human settlements. The water in mountain streams, however, is usually pure and wonderful.

In the Cape, particularly, the water contains humic acid, which stains it the colour of diluted Coca Cola; this is absolutely harmless, and the water is wonderful. You may also find this colouring in tap water in some areas.

As in other countries, always take precautions when having sex. South Africa has one of the highest rates of HIV in the world.

Many of the main tourist areas are malaria free, so you need not worry at all. However, the Kruger National Park, the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal do pose a malaria risk in the summer months. (Transmission is seasonal, with peak rates of infection occurring in April and declining by June).

Many local people and some travellers do not take malaria prophylaxis, but most health professionals recommend you do. Consult your doctor or a specialist travel clinic for the latest advice concerning malaria prophylaxis, as it changes regularly.

Whether you take oral prophylaxis or not, avoid being outside at night as far as possible as the anopheles mosquito, which carries malaria, operates almost exclusively after dark. Always use mosquito repellent, wear light-coloured long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed shoes at night, and sleep under a mosquito net in endemic areas.

Also use an insect repellent and electronic vaporising mats or burning insecticide coils are also helpful.

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Patient and Visitor Information | Mediclinic Cape Town

Mediclinic has always believed that patients and their loved ones are important partners in healing. Mediclinic offers a flexible visiting policy, where we encourage visitors to our facilities, with the following measures in place to ensure the best outcomes for our patients:

Visitation is allowed between the hours of 09:00 and 20:00 (a resting period between 13:00 and 15:00 is encouraged)

2 Visitors are allowed per patient in the General Units

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Please note:  Individual visitation may be restricted in the interest of the Patient's wellbeing. 

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Cape Town pilots e-booking for clinic services

To move away from the notion that clinic visits require a full day, Cape Town’s health department has piloted an online appointment portal for city clinics.

It allows healthcare clients to decide when and where they want to visit the clinic, says mayoral committee member for community services and health Patricia van der Ross.

In addition, it allows them to cancel and reschedule bookings – all from their cellphone, she states.

“This pilot project aims to put clients in control – they can choose their preferred date and clinic for a consult, or schedule a follow-up visit in consultation with staff. Our clinics have migrated to a digital records system, so a patient’s details can be pulled up at any facility, irrespective of where they originally opened their folder,” according to Van der Ross.

“These are some of the examples of how city health is working towards an improved client experience, to move away from the long-held idea that a clinic visit requires a full day.”

The city first hinted at online appointment services at its clinics in 2017. At the time, mayoral committee member JP Smith said the city envisions an electronic appointment system that will potentially reduce patient queues, congestion and waiting times.

Key among the city’s service delivery improvements has been IT modernisation to render integrated, streamlined and efficient business processes at community facilities and appointment systems at city clinics.

According to the city, the portal marks a step up from the existing appointment system, which until now only allowed clinic staff to make appointments on behalf of patients.

To use the online booking platform, clients are required to enter personal details, including their name and cellphone number. Once the registration is completed, they are able to follow the prompts to book their appointment.

The user will also receive a confirmation SMS to their cellphone number. Should patients need to reschedule or cancel the appointment, they are able to do so by logging on using the original OTP, and cancel the appointment using the reference number received.

“I want to encourage our clients to use the system, not only to make their lives simpler, but also to help us iron out any glitches. I also want to appeal to users to please stick to their appointment times by arriving at least half an hour earlier,” notes Van der Ross.

“The ideal is to be seen within a reasonable time period of the appointment, but we cannot aim for that if clients are late. It causes a knock-on effect that throws off the entire schedule. While staff will aim to abide by appointment times, they also have a duty of care to ensure consultations are done as thoroughly as possible.

“These are exciting times for city health, and I call on everyone to please work together so that we can build a system that works, for everyone’s benefit.”

To gain access to the appointment system, residents can do so via the web-based portal, or by scanning a QR code link that connects them to the site.

For answers to frequently asked questions on the portal, click here .