Botswana’s Ministry of Health and Wellness said that the ongoing malaria outbreak, which started in October, was expected to continue until end of May.

In a recent press release, the ministry said the sporadic outbreak was reported in Okavango, Ngamiland and Chobe, among other places.

Travellers to affected areas are advised to take the following preventative measures:

• Visit the nearest clinic should you experience malaria symptoms, including fever, severe headache, chills, sweating abdominal pains, nausea and vomiting, confusion and loss of consciousness.
• Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets while in endemic areas, use insect repellents, and wear clothes that cover arms and legs during the evening.

Travellers should seek medical advice from the nearest health facility two weeks before travelling to malaria endemic countries.