Travel Health: Health regulations in South Africa require that travellers from
areas infected by yellow fever must carry a vaccination
certificate; otherwise no vaccination is required. There is a
malaria risk in the low-lying areas of the Northern Province and
Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park), as well as
north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, and precautions are advised when
travelling to these areas, especially between October and May.
There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Tap water is safe in urban
areas but sterilisation is advisable elsewhere, as there are
periodic outbreaks of cholera in the poor communities of rural
South Africa, particularly in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga,
and Limpopo provinces. Drug-resistant TB has been reported
throughout the country. Food poisoning is rare. Medical facilities
in South Africa are good, but medical insurance is strongly advised
as private hospitals expect cash upfront and public hospitals are
best avoided. Medication is readily available in urban areas, but
those travelling in out of major cities for an extended period
should bring a basic supply kit for emergency self-treatment.
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