Kwetu Faraja

Malaria is a very common illness in Sub-Saharan Africa. For a short-term trip it is recommended to take prophylaxis to limit the chances of getting malaria. The following medications are effective in Tanzania:

 

1. Malarone - expensive, low occurrence of side effects, begin taking 1-2 days prior to travel, taken daily while in country, taken for one week after leaving the country.
2. Larium - cheap, taken once a week, common side effects like hallucinations and bad dreams.
3. Doxycycline – cheap, few side effects but you must take precautions in the sun, begin taking 1-2 days prior to travel, taken daily while in country, taken for one week after leaving the country.

 

Additional Medications:

Your physician can also recommend special medications for motion sickness, traveler's diarrhea, possible infections and the infrequent headache – just in case. Allergy sufferers... beware! Discuss your allergies with your doctor, and make sure you're prepared for potential problems! Get your new prescriptions filled, and make sure other regular prescriptions are refilled, so you'll have enough for your entire trip. Keep a copy of the prescription with you when you travel. Also, be sure and have all medications in their original containers. Take medications with you on the airplane; do not pack them in your checked luggage.

 

A Note about Water:

Don’t trust the water unless specifically told it is safe. Drink bottled beverages without ice (it's water, too!) Use bottled water to brush your teeth. Your host knows how to prepare foods so that they are safe for you, but take caution with street vendors and at restaurants. Salads and fruits need special consideration. Food washed in water, such as lettuce, may not be safe. It is best not to eat raw vegetables unless you are sure they have been cleaned properly.

 

Only swim in a treated swimming pool. Schistosomiosis is a parasitic infection that can be obtained by swimming in Lake Victoria. It is best to avoid contact with the lake water.