This year's Computershare Change a Life Cycle will take participants through the beautiful heart of Africa - Malawi - from 3-8 September and the Medi-Clinic Southern Africa Corporate Events team will be there to lend medical support. The team recommends the following health precautions for before, during and after the event.
Before departure
1. Do you need malaria prophylaxis?
Yes, it is strongly advised, Malawi is a malaria area, especially around the lake.
Malanil is the best option, particularly for cyclists due to low side-effect profile and easy dose regimen.
One tablet should be taken in the week prior to entering Malawi then daily while in Malawi and for seven days after leaving.
The tablet should be taken at the same time each day with food. We suggest with dinner (so any possible side effects happen while you are asleep).
Lariam/Mefliam may also be used. It is a convenient dosage of a weekly tablet but does have more side effects, 30% of users have balance problems which maybe an issue while cycling.
Doxycycline (100 mg daily) is a cheap and safe alternative, although not as effective. It needs to be taken for one month after return.
2. Must I have a yellow fever vaccination?
Not necessary.
3. What vaccinations are required?
There are no compulsory vaccinations for entry into Malawi BUT we strongly recommend the following:
• Anti-tetanus vaccination if you haven't had one in the last five years.
• Hepatitus A is picked up through contaminated water sources so you will be at risk close to the lakes. It's a good idea to have a vaccination or booster if you have had the disease in the last five years.
Rabies is not recommended. If you are bitten by a rabid animal you will be evacuated whether you've been vaccinated or not.
4. What other precautions should be taken before leaving?
• Have a thorough medical check up.
• Ensure you take all your chronic medication, including your malaria prophylaxis.
• If you have any allergies, please inform us and bring tablets and inhalers with you.
• Tabard and any other insect repellant (preferably not a spray can under pressure, sticks are better for travelling).
While there
The best prevention is not to get bitten!
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1. |
Continue prophylaxis for malaria. |
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2. |
Wear long sleeves and pants with socks from sunset to sunrise. |
| 3. |
Sleep under a net impregnated with repellant and use a fan, mosquitoes don't like wind. |
| 4. |
Bilharzia is carried by a schistosome carried by snails so avoid swimming in slow flowing streams, dams etc. Keep away from reeds and areas where the snails may be found. |
| 5. |
Rub insect repellant on your lower legs before entering the water and briskly towel dry on getting out. This will remove the schistosomes. |
Once home
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1. |
Continue the prophylaxis until the course is finished. |
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2. |
Don't ignore any fever or episode of feeling unwell such as flu-like symptoms. Malaria will only manifest seven to 10 days after you stop taking your prophylaxis. |
| 3. |
Always inform the healthcare professional that you had visited a tropical country and insist on a blood test for malaria. |
| 4. |
Bilharzia usually manifests with itchy legs. blood in the urine or stools or coughing up blood. |
Measles in Malawi
In countries with poor immunisation coverage, outbreaks of measles are fairly common among children, as a recent news report indicated was the case in Malawi.
Based on the assumption that participants will have little or no direct contact with children during the event, the risk profile of becoming infected is low. Bear in mind that South Africa recently had a similar outbreak and many people did not take additional precautions.
In addition, the following groups do not need to be immunised against measles:
• People older than 53 (according to the Center for Disease Control), as they are most likely to have been exposed as children.
• People who have received two documented doses of measles vaccination.
• People who have measles antibodies, based on a blood test.
• People with a documented history of having had measles.
However if you are concerned, we recommned a once-off MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination. As it is a live attenuated virus vaccination, allow a few days for possible side effects, such as low-grade fever and myalgia (muscle pain), to settle.