ALERT: Limpopo, Botswana on high alert as both issue Malaria warning

[jeff]

Ridge Runner how do you get only 39 days until June 2 ?

 

[Areaonereal]

Whoa...way too many clothes...also too much in the heavyweight category. Hunted in SA 3 times in early June,...fleece vest and light jacket in the early morn...sunrise and then to short sleeve shirts. Your PH will be wearing shorts.

 

[spike.t]

travel suit (required). 1 suit shirt with tie.

just out of interest why are you taking these? and how long are you going for?.........

 

[AlphaHunter]

Thanks everyone for your responses, I need all the help I can get as a newbe going into SA.
I have contacted my doctor and will be getting a prescription for malarone from her all other types of malaria taps are not yet available to me here in east tennessee,usa.
Also I would like to ask, if I am packing the right clothing for June temps in South Africa.
My outfitter told me to pack the same type clothing that would normally wear deer hunting in the late fall here in northeast Tennessee. After doing my research of June temps in Eastern part of SA, comparitive to here in Tennessee, I`m re-thinking I should pack clothing for late spring/early fall, i.e. forgeting the long johns and moderately heavy "fleece" line insulated long sleeve shirts and insul
ated coat.
I have read various packing lists posts on this site, but it seems those lists pretain to other areas than where I will be hunting.
I`m thinking of light fannel long sleeve shirts and turtle neck t- shirts for layering and my army field jacket with removable liner and gore-tex rain jacket and mid/light weight cargo pants in black and "blue jeans" also in black. Of course, as a Tennessean hunter, I`ll be bringing my knee high "snake boot" hunting boots non-insulated, with wool and mid-weight boot socks.
As much as I would love to bring my "buck skin" outfit to include moccasins, to "blend in"; the"bucks" are to close to the color of a lion, and they are rather warm in moderate weather....and yes even wet...for those frontersmen and 1700-1800's re-enactors out there who thinks buck skins aren't practical in wet weather.
Any and all constructive advice will be emensly appreciated as to what type of clothing I should pack.

Living in South Africa (Pretoria/Cullinan) since 1997, 17 years as PH traveling all over Africa, now just dedicated hunter, I never had malaria, I wear T-shirt and cargo pants all year. I'm from Europe, if you come from USA believe me you'll never feel really cold. Just travel with the minimum. If you need anything extra, you can buy here at any army surplus store for next to nothing.

 

[BRICKBURN]

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is a dynamic organisation, creating news in the field of diagnostic pathology and research every day. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), an institute of the NHLS, also alerts healthcare authorities and workers globally about infectious disease outbreaks requiring urgent and immediate attention.



Malaria advisory - March 2017

15 March 2017

South Africa is currently experiencing its annual malaria season and there has been a recent increase of malaria cases in Mozambique due to the storms following Cyclone Dineo that affected Mozambique and the northeastern parts of South Africa.

With the approach of Easter and the public holidays in April, it is important for travellers visiting any of the malaria areas within or outside of South Africa to take additional precautions and maintain a higher index of suspicion.

Where is Malaria Found?
Malaria in South Africa is present along the border with Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is specifically prevalent in:

1. Vembe and Mopane district municipalities of Limpopo Province
2. Ehlanzeni district municipality in Mpumalanga Province
3. Umknanyakude in Kwazulu-Natal Province
4. Kruger National Park.

Neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Zimababwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana and Namibia also experience high levels of Malaria.

When Is Malaria Season?
Malaria is distinctly seasonal in South Africa and occurs during the rainy months between September and May.


Who May Be Affected?
People living in an area with malaria are likely to contract the disease if precautions are not taken.


What Precautions Should Be Taken?
Measures To Avoid Mosquito Bites

1. Wearing long pants, especially at night when mosquitos are more active
2. Applying topical mosquito repellants that contain DEET
3. Sleeping under mosquito repellant bed nets treated with insecticide
4. Spraying living quarters with insecticide after closing doors and windows

Measures To Prevent Malaria From Developing
Travellers should consult with their doctors for a risk assessment and to obtain the appropriate anti-malarial prophylaxis. Current recommended chemoprophylactic regimens include either mefloquine, doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil. The consulting doctor will advise on the best option and duration of treatment for each individual.



How Will I Know If I Have Malaria?
All travellers should be maintain a high level of suspicion for flu-like symptoms during and up to one month after their visit ends. These symptoms include:
· Fever
· Chills and/or sweating
· Headaches
· Nausea and vomiting
· Body aches
· Fatigue

What Should I Do If I Suspect That I Have Malaria?
Malaria is treatable and is best diagnosed as early as possible. Anyone presenting with these symptoms should visit their nearest doctor or health facility immediately for an urgent malaria test. A negative test should be treated with caution and tests should be repeated until positive or until symptoms resolves.

http://www.nhls.ac.za/?page=alerts&id=5&rid=731

 

[BRICKBURN]

Malaria focus in western Waterberg, Limpopo Province - No new cases of locally acquired malaria

22 March 2017

The north-eastern areas of Limpopo Province are the traditional malaria transmission areas in the province. During the period 27 February - 13 March 2017, 49 malaria cases were reported in Thabazimbi and Lephalale in the western Waterburg, Limpopo province, 14 of which were due to local transmission mostly in rural villages along the Lephalale river. The western Waterberg is historically prone to malaria during favourable transmission years. Over the last week, there have been no new cases of malaria acquired in this area but it is important to remain vigilant and to ensure that any persons with acute febrile illness be tested for malaria.

There were a number of initiatives in response to these cases by the malaria control programme in Limpopo. The community was informed of the signs and symptoms of malaria and to seek early medical attention and the health facilities in the area have adequate supplies of malaria diagnostic tests and medication for treatment. A vector control intervention was initiated and about 200 homes mainly along the Lephalale river were sprayed with long-acting insecticides applied to indoor walls.

During the summer rain period, September - April malaria transmission occurs annually in the north-eastern parts of Limpopo bordering on Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Forty-two malaria teams from the Limpopo provincial department of health are fully operational in these communities with indoor residual spraying as a major control intervention. Normally, low numbers of cases are reported from Waterberg, however, it is viewed as an area with the potential for malaria transmission.

Every notified malaria case is fully investigated and preventative measures are introduced where appropriate. All health facilities in Limpopo are prepared to deal with increased malaria cases. PHC facilities can all test for malaria and treatment is available at this level. All hospitals also have access to the latest malaria treatment regime available.

http://www.nhls.ac.za/?page=alerts&id=5&rid=730

 

[IdaRam]

Agree with what others have said. A bit too many clothes and geared too much to cold. I would shift the focus to being dressed comfortably at around 60 degrees. Everyone is different, but for me that is light pants and a t-shirt with a light long sleeve shirt to add or take off as needed. Long johns only if you plan to hunt at night and only 1 pair.
Just take 2 pair of shorts, 2 pair of pants, 3 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts and ditch the turtle necks by all means. They just make you sweat when the morning chill burns off and you have to take everything else off to get the turtle neck off. Simple, easy layering is your friend.
I like a fleece jacket, a heavier jacket for hunting at night or sitting in a leopard blind all night, and once again a wind/rain layer. 4 pair of socks should do it as well.
Just think of it like this, I will get laundry back every day or every other day. What do I need to double up on so the laundy team can have a day to wash my clothes.
Everyone over packs the first time . When you feel like you have the bare minimum you are almost there.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Ridge Runner how do you get only 39 days until June 2 ?

Ooops!!! Looked at the wrong month when counting the days....hehehe.

I had been scheduling other task and for May in prep for June departure....March, May, they both start with M......hehehe.

I stand humbly corrected...69 days till departure....damn!! another 30 days more of waiting.

 

[Ridge Runner]

just out of interest why are you taking these? and how long are you going for?.........

It's a 10 day safari with 7 days of hunting. There's a slim chance I maybe able to add an extra day or two.

The suit is for my Delta flight only to and from SA. A friend helped me with my tickets and strongly advised '...if I didn't want dropped out of first class business...wear a suit... you're representing Delta'. For the savings on my non stop tickets, Atlanta to JNB.... I'll happily wear the suit and tie...use the savings for more important things like: animals of opportunity, souveigners, maybe an extra day or two and/or start saving for next years SA trip.

 

[Areaonereal]

My three trips on Delta 200 , I have never seen a suit and tie except on the pilot, you must be flying on a employee pass. 16 hours, in a suit, is a brutal long flight. You will enjoy Africa and want to return....guaranteed.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Agree with what others have said. A bit too many clothes and geared too much to cold. I would shift the focus to being dressed comfortably at around 60 degrees. Everyone is different, but for me that is lig

My three trips on Delta 200 , I have never seen a suit and tie except on the pilot, you must be flying on a employee pass. 16 hours, in a suit, is a brutal long flight. You will enjoy Africa and want to return....guaranteed.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Yes it is an employee pass. Nice to have airline friends. Greatful, which I am.....must say.... still not sure what VIP perks mean. I do. understand "...just wear a suit and tie"...means...even though I am not fond of such things...they have there place at weddings and funerals and such.
It's called blind faith that my flying experience will be trouble free(?).
FOOTNOTE: I don't and never will believe or be a party to....in blind faith, luck, or leprechans and fairies.
But I will forever believe in "MURPHY'S LAW"!!!! DAMN....BE TO MURPHY AND HIS LAWS!!!!.
No offense or harm meant to others of the Murphy surnaame or heritage. Only to this one particular. whose laws always mean trouble or misfortune.

 

[Ridge Runner]

How is this for a revised clothing packing list:

1 short sleeve shirt,
2 light weight long sleeve shirts, not flannel
1 fleece line long sleeve shirt
1 turtle neck long sleeve t-shirt
2 long sleeve t-shirts
2 short sleeve t-shirts
1 turtle neck (llama wool) sweater (outerwear)
2 pair cargo pants, light weight
1 pair "blue" jeans,
2 pair long johns, bottoms only
3 pair briefs
Coat (army field jacket with removable liner),
Light "safari" jacket,
vest
Socks: 2 pair wool, 2 pair snake boot, 2 pair dress

 

[Areaonereal]

You are going to South Africa, not Fairbanks, Alaska. I have been to both. Forget the wool anything. Leave this at home: fleece lined long sleeve, turtle neck t, long sleeve t,1 pair cargo pants, long johns,coat(army field) , ?dress socks....no dances on Saturday night. Laundry every day. June is a very mild comfortable month for us from the USA, Like our normal late April. I have hunted Limpopo and EC in late May and early June, substitute the Safari jacket with a Camo rain repellant unlined jacket. Enjoy every minute of it, memories are a lifetime

 

[Savage Hunter]

My wife and I can pack everything, clothes and gear in 1 pc of shared checked luggage and each having a carry-on.
2nd check this trip is wife's crossbow.
3rd check is our rifles.

Clothes?
2 pr casual shirts/pants- I wear 1 pair of casual and carry one pair.
2 pr hunting pants
2 pr long sleeve hunting shirts (light weight)
4 pair underwear
4 pair athletic socks (for hunting)
2 pair casual socks (wearing one on the plane)
1 long underwear (top and bottom)
1 lightweight waterproof hunting jacket
1 pr boots

 

[rookhawk]

How is this for a revised clothing packing list:

1 short sleeve shirt,
2 light weight long sleeve shirts, not flannel
1 fleece line long sleeve shirt
1 turtle neck long sleeve t-shirt
2 long sleeve t-shirts
2 short sleeve t-shirts
1 turtle neck (llama wool) sweater (outerwear)
2 pair cargo pants, light weight
1 pair "blue" jeans,
2 pair long johns, bottoms only
3 pair briefs
Coat (army field jacket with removable liner),
Light "safari" jacket,
vest
Socks: 2 pair wool, 2 pair snake boot, 2 pair dress

That is a ridiculous overpack for your trip.

How about this?

Two T-Shirts
Two shorts
One Pant
Two bush shirts
Three underwear
One belt
Two pair of Courtney boots or combat boots (your snake boots will suck so bad if you are stalking all day)
Three pair wool socks
One safari bush jacket for cold mornings/nights
Two Shemaghs
One pair gaiters if you buy Courtney boots
Two hats

The above list is enough for a 14 day fly camp safari in extreme wilderness. If you're doing a RSA ranch hunt, cut it down considerably.

 

[Rolf_T]

The above list is getting there... I travel a lot hunting, and even cut down to no shemags and just one hunting baseball caps. When travelling I travel in one pair of long trousers, a tshirt and a light down jacket/fleece and a pair of Salomons which also can be used out hunting (if luggage does not arrive)

 

[rookhawk]

The above list is getting there... I travel a lot hunting, and even cut down to no shemags and just one hunting baseball caps. When travelling I travel in one pair of long trousers, a tshirt and a light down jacket/fleece and a pair of Salomons which also can be used out hunting (if luggage does not arrive)

I bring the shemaghs because they are the Swiss Army knife of cotton cloth.

1.) my QD scopes are each rolled in one and taken as carry on on the plane.

2.) it's a sling for a broken arm

3.) it's a tourniquet

4.) soak in water and it's A/C

5.) wrap around neck and it's a scarf

6.) insert biltong and it's a snack sack

7.) wear on face like a terrorist for warmth and camo in a blind

8.) where on head like a holy man to prevent sunburn

There's another 300 uses for them as well. Wrapping the scopes is the most important one for me. I'm also wearing one every morning until 10am to keep comfortable and also at night if very cold near the braii .

 

[David Johnston]

I use Malarone, no noticeable side effects, just the occasional strange dream!

 

[flatfoot]

I carry one as well.