AFRICA - Traveler's Health Information
Diseases, parasites, illnesses, inoculations, prevention, vaccinations,...
5/15/2022 - Optimized for Firefox 100.0 (Quantum) - COPYRIGHT 2009 thru 2022
I am NOT a Doctor - Consult a Travel Doctor - I Have NO medical training
I ASSUME NO LIABILITY - You do or do not do things at your own risk
These web pages are generally arranged in Alphabetic Order, by Subject, with an
INDEX at the end of each web page. Find your desired subject and double click on it.
COLORS to WEAR and to AVOID
AVOID wearing (dark) BLUE and BLACK - (tsetse flies)
Darker colors will also make you sweat more, becoming more attractive to mosquitoes.
Because dark colors absorb heat (causing more sweat) and lighter colors tend to
reflect heat, mosquitoes also tend to be more attracted to people dressed in
darker clothes
According to the Discovery Channel mosquitoes are more attracted to the color blue than to other colors.
Stick to LIGHT TAN or shades of KHAKI or such neutral colors
(do NOT wear: White, red, bright yellow, and bright blue are easily seen by birds.
When birds are disturbed, they alert other animals nearby).
A NEW (2/2022) study shows:
Hate mosquito bites? New research suggests wearing certain colors could make you a target
They found that mosquitos were drawn most to red, orange, black, and cyan.
They also found that mosquitos ignored green, purple, blue and white.
When a researcher inserted their hand into the chamber wearing a green
glove, mosquitos ignored it, even when it was sprayed with CO2.
The shade of your skin doesn't matter, we are all giving off a strong
red signature.
It now (2/2022) looks to me (opinion) that (NOT dark) GREEN is the best color to avoid insect bites.
It is also thought that mosquitoes may be attracted to YELLOW.
Wasps love the color yellow.
Most insects including mosquitoes are attracted to the color blue the most.
NOT SURE ABOUT THIS -> Reds are the next popular color followed by oranges & then yellow.
Please click here for more information about Tsetse Flies.
DO NOT BRING ANY CAMOUFLAGE CLOTHES - it's illegal in some African countries
(Kenya, for example) - you could go to jail for even possessing camouflage.
AVOID wearing DARK COLORS (misquitoes)
OTHER Precautions
AVOID MISQUITOES
AVOID TSETSE FLIES - (active only during the daytime)
AVOID SAND FLIES
Use Insect repellent - 100% DEET in Africa - KEEP OFF YOUR SKIN
Other sources, say no more than 70% DEET.
Still other sources, say, limit it to 40% or 50% DEET
DEET
There is no insect repellent that is KNOWN to be effective against the tsetse fly
claims to be effective against the Tsetse Fly
RID - Information about
RID - Information about
Consider chemically treated (usually permethrin) clothes (I would keep these off of my skin).
Even Four out of Five VULTURES (in the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation
Center, in South Africa) AVOIDED me when I was wearing both RID and
PICARIDIN - They BACKED RIGHT OFF, even though I was trying to feed
them raw meat from my hand. A Fifth Vulture finally did take the raw meat
out of my hand. However, We make NO claims to the effectiveness of this "technique".
Mosquitoes that drifted near us, immediately moved away.
(subcutaneous) gamma globulin
Note that several US government sites recommend taking an injection
of: subcutaneous gamma globulin, to boost one's immune system,
before going to Africa. This is expensive, and you want the subcutaneous
type. For two persons, total, combined body weight of about 315 pounds,
our cost wast estimated to be about $300 USD. Some studies show recognizable
benefits, and some do not (show recognizable benefits).
Gamma globulin injections
CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR - I MAY BE MISTAKEN ABOUT THE LENGTH OF TIME:
You should wait at least THREE MONTHS AFTER getting a vaccine that contains
a live virus (for example, a Yellow Fever or MMR vaccine) BEFORE getting a
shot of gamma globulin, otherwise, the gamma globulin may prevent the live
vaccine from giving you immunity.
You should take gamma globulin a week before you expect to "need" it.
You should wait at least three months months?? after getting gamma globulin,
before you get a vaccine containing a live virus.
Check with a local Travel Doctor MORE than SIX MONTHS PRIOR
to your trip, if you intend to get Hepatitis 'A' and/or
Hepatitus 'B' shots (they are spaced over a six month interval)
actually, a FOUR MONTH MINIMUM "should" work (so they say).
Health Information for Travelers to Kenya
Currently, 5/11/2010, If you get all of the recommended inoculations
for Keny, you are also covered for Botswana, South Africa, Zambia
and Zimbabwe (THIS MAY CHANGE AT ANY TIME) - EXCEPT FOP MALARIA -
the Malaria in South Africa is resistant to more treatments than
is that of Kenya. These facts may change at any time.
Discuss MALARIA, and all of the countries to which you are going,
with both your doctor and your travel doctor.
Health Information for Travelers to Botswana
Health Information for Travelers to South Africa
Health Information for Travelers to Zambia
Health Information for Travelers to Zimbabwe
CD Recommendations for Adult Innoculations (schedule) - even if you never travel
Health in Kenya - worldtravelguide.net
MD Travel Health - Kenya - vaccinations, malaria, safety, and ...
KENYA - Travelers Health Information
VACCINATIONS - before the Trip
Vaccinations for Kenya - mdtravelhealth.com
Travel Vaccinations - netdoctor.co.uk
Travel Vaccinations - AFRICA - netdoctor.co.uk
ROUTINE Vaccinations - 4/2010 USA Prices
MMR - Measles, Mumps and Rubella - $85
DPT - Diphtheria / Pertussis / Tetanus - $75
YELLOW FEVER - inoculation Proof required for many African countries - $126
TripAdvisor has a very GOOD yellow Fever FAQ for travelers to Kenya
Travelers from YF countries face more stringent checks for immunization
IF you have been in a country that has Yellow Fever outbreaks
you could be required to prove that you have had a Yellow Fever inculcation.
This YF non-requirement could change - check the requirements yourself.
PRIOR to September 1992 there had been no record of Yellow Fever in Kenya.
There seems to be litle risk of contracting YF during short trips.
That being said:
1} Yellow fever has killed a few people in Kenya since 1992 - HMM
UPON RE-READING INTERNET INFORMATION, I AM NOT SURE THAT THERE
HAVE BEEN ANY YF INCIDENTS IN KENYA AFTER 1996.
http://www.mapsofworld.com/kenya/health/yellow-fever-in-kenya.html
2} Pregnant women should not travel to Kenya UNLESS they were previously
vaccinated for Yellow Fever (it is not deemed safe for pregnant women
or nursing women to be treated for Yellow Fever).
http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/africa/kenya.php
IT APPEARS THAT YELLOW FEVER KILLED TWO PEOPLE IN THE RIFT VALLEY, KENYA (2011)
Kenya Forum: Suspected outbreak of Yellow Fever in Rift Valley (kenya) - TripAdvisor - April 14, 2011
"Baringo was affected by the only previous outbreak of Yellow fever in Kenya
in 1992 -1993 when 3 people died." - TripAdvisor
WHO (World Health Organization) has just determined (7/2014) that ONE Yellow Fever
vaccination will last a person's LIFETIME (previously, good for ten [10] years only).
HEPATITIS A - the most common travel-related infection - $85
A booster dose should be given 6-12 months later to provide long-term immunity.
Two doses of hepatitis A vaccine appear to confer protection for at least ten
years. Recent evidence suggests that the duration of protection after two
doses is probably 20 years or greater.
Older adults, immunocompromised persons or other chronic medical conditions
who have less than two weeks before departure should receive a single
intramuscular dose of immune globulin (0.02 mL/kg).
HEPATITIS B - a very serious disease that has no cure - $80
MALARIA
TYPHOID - $85
Meningococcal (Meningitis) - YES, DEFINITELY - $135
MPSV4 should be used for persons >55 years of age.
POLIO - YES, DEFINITELY - A Booster Shot - $65
MD Travel Health - Kenya - vaccinations, malaria, safety, and ...
All travelers should bring along an antibiotic and an antidiarrheal
drug to be started promptly if significant diarrhea occurs.
Malaria - mdtravelhealth
One option for emergency self-treatment is to take a combination of
artemether and lumefantrine, marketed as Coartem in the United States
and as Riamet in Europe.
Malaria Tablets - Which To Take for a Safari Trip?
SOUTH AFRICA - Travelers Health Information
Health Information for Travelers to South AfricaVACCINATIONS - before the Trip
Routine - measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc. - YES - GET THEM
MMR - Measles, Mumps and Rubella - $85
POLIO - Booster Shot - $65
DPT - Diphtheria / Pertussis / Tetanus - $75
Vaccination against CHOLERA is now possible with the oral vaccine Dukoral. But this vaccine does not provide 100 per cent protection
Apparently, 3/31/2010, Vaccination against CHOLERA NOT yet approved for use in this country.
HEPATITUS A - $85
HEPATITUS B - HIGHLY Recommended - unlikely, unless you need a transfusion or dental work - $80
MALARIA
RABIES - probably not?
TYPHOID - YES - $85
YELLOW FEVER - $126 - innoculation Proof required if arriving via KENYA and some other countries.
OTHER, MORE RARE, MALADIES FOUND IN AFRICA
African Sleeping Sickness (trypanosomiasis - AVOID TSETSE FLIES
trypanosomiasis is transmitted by infected tsetse (Glossina Genus) flies found in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Infection of international travelers occurs but is rare. On average, a single case per year
is reported among U.S. travelers - CDC.
T. b. rhodesiense is found in eastern and southeastern Africa. Over 95% of the cases of T. b.
rhodesiense infection occur in Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, and Zambia. - CDC.
T. b. gambiense is found predominately in central Africa and in limited areas of West Africa.
Over 95% of the cases of T. b. gambiense infection are reported from the Democratic Republic of
Congo, Angola, Sudan, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Chad, and northern Uganda - CDC.
African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) - WHO
Sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis) - Google Health
African trypanosomiasis - Wikipedia
African Trypanosomiasis - CDC DPD
African Sleeping sickness Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments and ...
Sleeping sickness: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaQuick Africa Health Links
U.S. Adult Immunization Schedules - for those who stay AT HOME
Possible Side-effects from Vaccines
Malaria
Medical & Health - Travelguide
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC
MD Travel Health - South Africa - vaccinations, malaria, safety ...
South Africa Travel Health, Vaccinations, Health, Safety - worldtravelguide.net
Sub Saharan Africa - gov.uk
INDEX and OTHER RELATED INFORMATION
AFRICA
Complete AFRICAN SAFARI PLANNING |
Africa - Traveler's Health Information
APAP
BITES - Treating & Identifying
BLUE LIGHT (HEV = 400 to 500 nm) May help Cause Macular Degeneration
BOTSWANA
Cell Phones - for use in AFRICA & London
Cell Phones - International
CHIKUNGUNYA Virus - painful, no cure, no vaccine
Chills
CLOTHES and SAFARI GEAR
Convulsions
CPAP and Battery powered CPAP/APAP
DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) - Mosquito Repellent
DEET Sellers of
Doxycycline
Electric Outlet Shapes and Adapters - BOTSWANA
Electric Outlet Shapes and Adapters - KENYA
Electric Outlet Shapes and Adapters - NAMIBIA
Electric Outlet Shapes and Adapters - SOUTH AFRICA
Electric Outlet Shapes and Adapters - ZAMBIA
Electric Outlet Shapes and Adapters - ZIMBABWE
Electrical Connections / Plug Types / Voltage
Fever
GEAR, SAFARI
GPS for Safaris
HATS, SAFARI
HEV (BLUE LIGHT = 400 to 500 nm) May help Cause Macular Degeneration
IMMUNATION for Kenya
Complete Insect Repellents & Killers
Complete KENYA, Africa - Safari & Travel Information Information that you REALLY MUST KNOW
LYME Disease
LYME DISEASE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Complete MALARIA Information
Malaria in HIGH RISK African Countries
Malaria in KENYA
Malaria in OTHER African Countries
Malaria in SOUTH AFRICA
MALARONE - Malaria Prophylactic - RECOMMENDED
Mefloquine
Metofluthrin
MONEY POUCHES / SAFES (to wear)
MOSQUITO Borne DISEASES - Really complete
Complete MOSQUITO Repellent & Insecticide Information
Mosquito BITES - Treating
Mosquito Netting
Mosquito (electrified) Zappers (swatters)
Netting
OFF Clip-on mosquito "protection"
OIL of LEMON EUCALYPTUS - OLE - a Repellent
Periprel
Permethrin
PICARIDIN (KBR3023, or Bayrepel or Natrapel) - repellent
Poisoning by DEET
Poisoning by Insecticides
Poisoning by METOFLUTHIN
Poisoning by PICARIDIN (not very likely)
Poisoning by PYRETHRIN
Prophylactics / Malaria Preventative Medications
RID insect repellent - said to also work on Tsetse Flies
SAFARI GEAR
SOUTH AFRICA
SUNGLASSES - What they should do
SUNSCREEN - Complete Sunscreen Warnings, Information, Ingredients, Products & Resources
Sweating
SYMPTOMS of MALARIA
TICKS - Complete TICK Information
Tick BITES
Tick DISEASES
TICK REPELLENTS
TRAVEL INFORMATION
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel SUPPLIES
Travel WARNINGS (US State Department)
HEV = 400-500 nm (longer than UVA) - may cause Macular Degeneration
UV400 (blocks UVA, UVB and UVC = 100 nm to 400 nm, but NOT HEC)
UVA
UVB
UVC
VACCINATIONS for Kenya
WEST NILE VIRUS
YELLOW FEVER
ZAMBIA
ZIMBABWE
I researched most of this information prior to our 30 day African photo safari.
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