Malaria

East Africa is a high-risk area for malaria, both in the cities and remote areas. The good news is that Kilimanjaro is too cold at altitude for the mosquito which carries malaria, and it rarely ventures above 1200 metres. Of course, during your time in Tanzania, you will spend time at lower altitudes while on your way to and from your climb. You may even be combining the climb with a safari or some downtime in Zanzibar.

Those are the times when you are at risk. There is no vaccination against malaria, and the best way to protect yourself is to not get bitten in the first place. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and hats, use mosquito nets when sleeping and use insect repellent with 30% DEET, especially in the evenings when the malaria-carrying mosquito is active.

Your doctor will be able to advise on a suitable course of anti-malarial drugs courses, which must be started well before you travel – so consult in good time! The course involves taking tablets regularly, it must be completed and will continue for some time after you return home. Common drugs that may be prescribed include atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine or primaquine.

Other health tips

Despite the range of ‘exotic’ diseases in Africa, most health problems experienced by travellers are actually preventable by engaging in good practices. Many of these relate to food and water consumption, so here are our tips:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Do not drink water from a standpipe or tap
• Avoid street food bought from vendors on the street
• Reject any food which appears to be insufficiently cooked
• Resist the temptation to pet animals such as dogs, cats and monkeys – this helps avoid various infections and the danger of being bitten by a rabies-infected animal. (Consider getting anti-rabies protection in advance, if you will be spending time in rural areas)
• Despite the heat, do not accept the offer of ice cubes in your drink and avoid any home-made ice cream
• Avoid any dairy products, unless you are sure they have been pasteurized.
• Avoid swimming in fresh waters, as they are home to many water-borne diseases.
• Use clean needles (never share!) for tattoos, body piercings or injections
• Use condoms – avoid unprotected sex
• Avoid any place where live poultry is displayed, raised, or kept (eg farms, markets etc)
• In developing countries, drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, learn how to make water safer to drink.
• Take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as instructed by your medical practitioner.
• Keep your feet both clean and dry, as this helps to prevent fungal and parasitic infections. Avoid going barefoot, even on beaches
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and appropriate headgear when outdoors.
• Use insect repellents that contain DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), or other approved alternatives.

Ebola

Ebola has hit the headlines in recent years after a large number of cases in West Africa. However, remember that Tanzania is in East Africa and many hundreds of miles away from the countries which have experienced significant outbreaks. There has been no evidence of ongoing active transmission of Ebola in Tanzania.