THERE is "absolutely no risk of contracting malaria" from the southern part of KwaZulu Natal, through Durban to St Lucia, although strict precautions should be taken when visiting the northern boundaries, past St Lucia up to Ndumo, says Robbie Naidoo, corporate communications manager for KZN Tourism.
Naidoo spoke to Travel Now having consulted widely with the health and travel professionals in the region, following media reports that Durban was unsafe following the death of a toddler last week after he contracted the disease on a farm located in the province's northern region. However, he also stressed that parents should not take infants or young children to any malarial area.
He also advised people travelling to this area during the holiday season to take the usual precautions of spraying rooms, using insecticides and ceiling fans, avoid going out at night and to consult their medical practitioners regarding the taking of correct prophylactics prior to visiting the region.
(Adele Mackenzie)
