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SAFETY ISSUES
Health: We are committed to providing a safe seminar environment in which the delegates will be able to relax and enjoy the beauty of Botswana and its people. May has been selected so as to minimise the risks associated with malaria in certain parts of the country, however some malaria risk is always present when travelling in Southern Africa and we advise delegates to seek advice in this regard.
Driving Tip: avoid driving at night due to the risk of collision with animals.
Wildlife: Botswana is privileged to have an abundance of wildlife. Should you come across wildlife while travelling in Botswana, please do not approach or leave your vehicle, as their behaviour can be unpredictable.
Health Information
As part of the organizing committee I would like to give the following personal experience: I am currently staying in Orapa, Botswana. My friends, business associates and I have visited the northern region of Botswana several times over the past two years and enjoyed the time thoroughly. I am not aware of any health related incident that occurred during such a trip. It is common practice for families including children older than about four years to go on trips to the northern part of Botswana.
The organizing committee obtained expert advise on the health risk as is set out below.
Health information for a conference in Kasane in May 2008 will be focused on preventative measures on malaria which is common in the area during summer rains. In May the risk of malaria is significantly reduced.
As is the norm, it is always advisable for anyone traveling to a foreign country to visit their doctor at least four weeks before the planned travel. Any outstanding vaccinations and a general health check to identify any conditions that may need treatment before travel, should be attended to.
Malaria
The northern part of Botswana is a malaria risk area, in summer. The conference will be in May when the risk of Malaria is significantly reduced. However, it is recommended that people, coming to the conference, take anti-malaria drugs.
The most appropriate treatment should be selected in consultation with your doctor. Normally one of the following preventative medicines are used: atovaquone / proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Chloroquine is not an effective anti-malarial treatment in Botswana, and should not be taken.
Mefloquine
G6PD testing highly recommended before taking mefloquine.
Mefloquine can worsen depression. Doxycycline is the recommended treatment.
Mosquito repellant sprays or lotions and protective clothing such as long sleeve shirts and long pants after dark will reduce the chance of being bitten.
Symptoms of Malaria:
May include but are not limited to:
- Fever
- Sweats
- Headache
- Body aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
The symptoms can occur about 7 to 9 days after being bitten, but can also present a year after a visit to a malaria zone. One should visit a doctor if they have a fever any time during or after their travel.
Recommendations by: Dr Thapelo Namanyane
