You could be heading to South Africa for business.
Johannesburg is a bustling metropolis with an economy that attracts many for international business.
You could head to South Africa for a vacation.
Cape Town and Durban are some of the most popular vacation spots in the southern hemisphere. The coasts are lined with beaches and locals that immigrated from all over the world.
You could head to South Africa to see some wildlife.
Kruger National Park stretches across the north of the country, boasting over 150 different species.
It’s not that hard to find a reason to visit South Africa. Upon a trip to the African country, it also doesn’t take much effort to get sick. You can catch something from a mosquito or a local’s random cough. So, here’s some tips to stay healthy during a visit to South Africa.
Which Vaccines Do I Need for South Africa?
The best preventive measure for disease when travelling to South Africa is with immunizations. The Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization recommend these vaccines:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Malaria
- Rabies
- Yellow Fever (if travelling from a country with the virus)
- Routine Vaccinations
Take a look at the individual pages or contact Passport Health for more information about each vaccine. Call us at to schedule an appointment or by booking online now.
African Tick-Bite Fever
Although not specific to South Africa, this bacterial infection is endemic throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Symptoms can stay dormant for up to two weeks. You may then feel a fever, muscle soreness, headaches and a rash, along with a red skin sore with a dark center at the site of the bite.
There’s no vaccine for African tick-bite fever, with prevention a key to avoid the ticks.
Use many of the same methods you would use to stay away from dangerous mosquitoes.
Take advantage of insect repellents and cover your skin whenever near areas with ticks. This includes, wooded and grassy areas that are away from dry weather. Check for bites every day. If you find a tick on the body, pull from the base of the insect with tweezers to remove.
Mosquito netting can also prevent ticks and should always be used throughout South Africa, a country active with malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Where Should I Go While Visiting South Africa?
As we mentioned before, South Africa is not short on places to visit.
The variety in terrains provides some options when it comes to exploring.
Even beyond Kruger National Park, wildlife reserves are common to South Africa. You can take a look at the rhinoceroses at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve or playful meerkats at Addo Elephant National Park.
Thrill-seekers will likely want to to stay near a coast.
Table Mountain in Cape Town is known for its abseiling, where tourists repel down a massive cliff. The Eastern Cape is home to Jeffreys Bay, one of the most popular surf locations in the world. You can even conquer a fear of heights at Bloukrans Bridge in the Western Cape, home to the world’s highest bungee jump.
But, Johannesburg is the best place to get a full taste of South Africa’s culture.
As its economy grows, so do the city’s attractions. Museums, landmarks and bars make up a city that prides itself on housing a bit of everything South Africa can offer.
Did we miss any South African health information or attractions? Let us know in the comments, or via Facebook and Twitter.
