The Travel Doctor
Traveller's medical & vaccination centre
News Articles
World Cup South Africa 2010
Press the Back button to return to the Travel Doctor homepage.
Excitement is growing as the time draws near for the Soccer World Cup in South Africa –kickoff date is 11th June with South Africa playing Mexico in Johannesburg while in Cape Town former world champions France face off against Uruguay, The Socceroos campaign starts on 14 June when they take on formidable Germany in the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. There are 10 venues scattered throughout the country with the finals scheduled to take place in the magnificent Soccer City stadium in the south west of Johannesburg on 11th July.
Southern Africa boasts beautiful landscapes, is rich in culture and is home to some amazing animals. In most of the country winter months are comfortably dry except for the south-eastern Cape where there is winter rainfall (resulting in excellent grape growing conditions) Staying healthy while travelling will ensure that fans get the most out of their trip to see the World Cup. While similar to Australia in many respects there are significant differences from a health point of view. Risks from vaccine preventable diseases such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and typhoid fever are much higher and not all areas of South Africa have access to safe drinking water. South Africa has the highest rate of HIV infection in the world so safe sex practice is essential. Road traffic accident rates are also amongst the highest in the world; driving on unfamiliar rural roads should be avoided, especially at night. There is a risk of schistosomiasis (bilharzia) in South Africa acquired from swimming or wading in freshwater rivers, streams or lakes; swimming in chlorinated pools or in salt water does not present a risk of schistosomiasis. Australia is free from rabies but South Africa definitely is not. There is no Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between South Africa and Australia. All travellers should obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes cover for medical evacuation costs. Medical facilities in urban areas are generally of a high standard, but can be costly. Healthcare in remote regions may be basic.
If exploring other parts of South Africa, such as Kruger National Park, malaria should also be considered. There is no malaria risk in any of the cities where World Cup matches are scheduled.. Malaria is a risk factor all year in the low altitude areas of the Mpumalanga Province (including Kruger National Park), Northern Province, and north eastern KwaZulu-Natal as far south as the Tugela River. Risk is greatest September to May. Malaria prevention options should be discussed with a travel medicine specialist prior to departure.
A comprehensive summary of health precautions for South Africa can be found on our Destination Fact Sheets http://www.traveldoctor.com.au/Fact%20Sheet%20Sth%20Africa.pdf
Ensure that you stay healthy to enjoy the experience, enjoy the country, enjoy supporting the Socceroos by taking sensible precautions before travelling. Now is the time to consult a travel health professional at a Travel Doctor –TMVC clinic.
