South Africa Health Facts

Know where to find reliable health resources

Are you looking for reliable South Africa Health Facts? Then you should check out the resources I mention here. (last Update: 1 Aug 2011)

For specific information on the health issues and medical care in Cape Town please go to the Cape Town health page in my guide.

South Africa Health Facts: Swine Flu, EHEC and Avian Flu

If you are living here you will have noticed that some of the health info we get here are rather sketchy and negative news become quite panicky at times.

The Swine Flu has been affecting South Africa last year too, as there were several death cases registered in South Africa, but as the H1N1 Influenza was moved to post-pandemic status by the WHO in August 2010 you only should not be worried, but keep effects of seasonal flu on your health in mind. EHEC cases have not been reported in South Africa so far and the recent outbreak of Avian Flu in Ostriches in the Western Cape seems to be under control too.

Seasonal Influenza is present during the winter months in South Africa as in many other places around the world. There is evidence that not only small children and older or frail people are more at risk, but also teenagers and pregnant women. So if you belong to a high-risk group you should consider the relevant vaccinations.

So for your information I went to check out the NICD and WHO websites and several other information resources to give you some sites to do research should you feel nervous about Health Concerns like the Flu or necessary jabs, when travelling to or living in South Africa.

South Africa Health Concerns

HIV/Aids are widespread, the risk to contract Hepatitis or TB are prevalent and rabies is also present.

But there are easy precautions to take, for most of the diseases you can get vaccinations before your travels. So contact your health care provider before you move here or get help here.

Check that your immunisation record is up to date or get refresher vaccinations. Check that your children's immunistaion programm (DTP, MMR)is also up to date, as there are frequently serious Measles outbrakes recorded in Southern Africa.

More info on current measels outbreaks in July 2011 here.

However you need to plan in certain time for the vaccination to work.

Tetanus, Polio, Diphteria: 3 doses over 12 months

Hepatitis A and B: 3 doses over 6-18 months

Tuberculosis (TB): BCG one shot, preferrably at least 6 weeks before travel

Typhoid: one shot at least two weeks before travel, highly recommended if working/living in rural areas, then booster every two years afterwards

This is a rough schedule only, please ask your health practitioner for your more advice!

For protection against Malaria, you need to take a prophylaxis if you travel into certain regions in South Africa, not in the Western Cape. Prophylaxis usually needs to be taken one week before travel into the malaria regions in South Africa.

South African Malaria Risk Areas on a Map here.

South Africa Health Resources

Specific South African Statistical Data and Information can be found on the website of the National Institute for communicable Diseases (NICD) here: More info and current statistics for South Africa.

One excellent resource which compiles lots of reliable information is the World Health Organization (WHO) website with excellent background info and the site is user-friendly as it is easy to look for relevant info. There are updates and country information on South Africa with loads of South Africa health facts, although the disease outbreak info on this page does not seem to be up to date.

Or try the good resources of the US Center for Communicable Diseases like this Country Information for South Africa. More Health Info for South Africa Travel by the CDC here.

South Africa Health Facts: Additional Flu Resources and Info

The US Centers for Disease Contol and Prevention has got good advice and an excellent flu fact guide on their website which are of great use for American expats in South Africa too.

For German expats and those of you who speak German, there is good information on the website of the Robert Koch Institut.

Or check out the data at the NICD as mentioned above.

Be informed and check your South Africa Health Facts and Information thoroughly.

Follow the updates and take your precautions, like good hygiene and wash your hands frequently!

Keep well!

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