Health Concerns for Kids Overlanding Africa

Vaccinations, Medical Aid Kits and Malaria Tips for African Travel

Dec 2, 2008

Having children does not signal the end to traveling overland in Africa. With preparation and awareness dangers can be minimized while the vacation is enjoyed to the full

Several months prior to departure make it a priority to visit a specialized travel clinic or service that can provide a personalized vaccination schedule. It is important to check which vaccinations are required for each different African country.

Do not take chances with malaria. Malaria in Africa in some areas is seasonal with mosquitoes active after the rains, in other areas there is a risk of malaria throughout the year, for example in the forest zones of West Africa. Some countries on the continent are completely free of malaria.

Decide whether to take a malaria prophylaxis (for children this should be considered vital but there are also side effects and long-term effects of prophylaxis medication to think about). When in a malaria area, insist that children sleep under a mosquito net at night. A children's version of the antimalarial drug Malarone is available.

The most important malaria prevention and precaution against being bitten by mosquitoes is to cover up and to apply insect repellent. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers should be worn in early evening, night and early morning in malaria areas.

A child-friendly high concentration DEET repellent is available on the market. If malaria symptoms appear (flu-like symptoms, including shaking, headache, tiredness, vomiting) take the child to a malaria clinic or hospital immediately.

First Aid Travel Kit for Travel in Africa

Items for children to include in a medical first aid travel kit should include: Paracetamol for children, tweezers for removing ticks and thorns, antihistamine (for allergic reactions), antiseptic cream, rehydration sachets in case of diarrhea, lice shampoo and disinfectant.

A first aid travel kit should be tailored to specific needs: for a short time in a resort hotel, the above is probably not necessary. However, sun block, sun hats and mosquito/insect repellent are essential.

Most big cities and towns have hospitals, clinics and pharmacies and local malaria clinics will have specific knowledge as to the strain of malaria found in that particular area.

Drinking water on Africa Safaris

Do not allow children to drink local tap water or un-pasteurized milk, no matter how safe the local people say it is. Pasteurized milk and baby milk formula can be bought in all major cities, but take care to bring along water purification tablets or boil water if possible.

The best purification tablets are the ones that purify one liter each, to use with standard size plastic bottles. Small children can dehydrate very quickly; it is best to always remember to keep a bottle of purified water handy. Cold drinks or juice that have sealed tops and are processed by a reputable company are a safe option.

Insurance for Kids Traveling in Africa

Travel with children in Africa makes insurance essential – things can and do go wrong. Do research for the travel insurance locally that best fits the family’s specific needs.

The copyright of the article Health Concerns for Kids Overlanding Africa in Health Field is owned by Fleur Hupston. Permission to republish Health Concerns for Kids Overlanding Africa in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.