IAMAT Blog - General

Spotlight on South Africa

Thu, 06 May 2010 13:21:00 -0400

Counting down the days to the start of the Soccer World Cup tournament? This year it's being held in South Africa from June 11 to July 11. It's one of the few events that brings out extreme emotions among fans, and like other world sporting events, this tournament will bring attention to the country's natural beauty, history, and cultures.

Travellers are asking us about our recommendations on how to stay healthy in South Africa. In case you need to see a doctor, you'll find that healthcare standards in the country vary between large urban centres and remote areas. High quality care is the norm in cities while in rural areas medical care tends to be basic.

IAMAT doctors are located in five World Cup host cities (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, and Pretoria) in addition to George, Knysna, Secunda, and Stellenbosch. Our doctors charge a set fee for the first consultation and will refer you to a specialist if needed.

As you're getting ready for your trip, you'll find advice and tips on health from many sources, often incomplete or unreliable. IAMAT relies on local medical contacts for its health recommendations, including guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here's what we suggest for South Africa:

Routine Immunizations - Tetanus-Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella should be reviewed and updated if necessary. There is currently a measles outbreak in the provinces of Western Cape (Cape Town being the epicentre) and Eastern Cape (Libode region). We recently blogged about Measles and how to protect yourself.

Seasonal influenza ? If you are 50 years or older or are immuno-suppressed ask your doctor or travel health clinic about getting anti-viral medication. Right now flu season is getting underway in the southern hemisphere.

If you are planning a trip to remote areas, planning extensive hiking or trekking, or going on a safari, we recommend getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever.

Malaria medication is required if you are going to Northeastern provinces of Limpopo, the low altitude areas of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal as far south along the coast to the Tugela River, including Kruger National Park.

Risk of malaria occurs throughout the year and the incidence of P. falciparum malaria (the deadly form) is at 90 percent. Some anti-malaria drugs are resistant so based on your health status and type of trip, see our Malaria Suppressive Medication Guidelines (click on Disease Risks).

Schistosomiasis (also known as Bilharzia) is present in South Africa. This disease is transmitted by snails living in fresh water such as lakes, rivers, streams and ponds. Avoid swimming in fresh water even if you are extremely tempted! Read about the geographical distribution of this infection and the rules to prevent illness.

Keep in mind that HIV is endemic in South Africa. To prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, avoid unprotected sexual contact. If you are going to have sex with a stranger, use latex or polyurethane condoms consistently and correctly. Bring your own condoms from home. There are no HIV entry or long-term stay restrictions for South Africa. Check out The Global Database on HIV-Specific & Residence Restrictions for the latest information and a list of resources.

For your safety, it is recommended that you do not leave well travelled tourist areas without a trusted guide. Never walk alone after dark and avoid secluded areas. Theft is a concern for travellers. Consult your government's travel information website (ie. Foreign Affairs ? Canada and US Department of State - International Travel) for their recommendations on safety and security.

For a complete list of potential health risks and how to prevent them, see our South Africa country profile.

Travel Writing Workshop: Sept 15-19

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:27:00 -0400

After taking a short summer break, the IAMAT Blog is back! Many of us are winding down our summer travels and holidays, getting ready for the back to work and back to school season. For us at IAMAT, it's usually a time to take stock of the coming year, start new projects - a new beginning of sorts.

If you are considering taking up a new challenge this Fall and have always dreamed of combining your travel experience, creativity, and passion to discover new things and meet new people, there's an affordable workshop for you. Robert Haru Fisher, a columnist and contributing editor for frommers.com (and a member of IAMAT's Board of Directors), is offering his popular Travel Writing Workshop in the beautiful Upper Hudson Valley, NY in September.

The theme of this intensive three day workshop is 'How to shape your writing and then market it successfully.' Robert will guide you through the different types of travel writing, good writing styles, research techniques, getting published in electronic and traditional media, and networking. Students will also participate in reading and group discussions / critiques of writing assignments. The workshop includes a tour of the Upper Hudson Valley area with writing assignments to be done in the evening. A fourth day, which is optional, was added for participants interested in having one-on-one interviews with Robert.

Here are the details:

Date: September 15-19, 2009 (optional evening reception on September 15).
Location: Space 360 in Hudson, NY (approximately 2 hours from New York City).
Cost: US $275

For more information (includes information on local accommodations) and to register go to: Travel Writing Workshop

To learn more about Robert's work go to: BobHaru.com and Mad Travel Writer Blog.

Welcome to the IAMAT Blog!

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:32:00 -0400

We are very pleased to announce the re-launch of our website.

Our new site better reflects our work and we hope that you will find all the information you need to make your trip a safe and healthy one.

Exciting new features will allow you to:

Get instant membership in your inbox - IAMAT membership is free.
Get a tax deductible receipt (US and Canada) in your inbox for your donation to IAMAT - any amount is appreciated.
Access all the travel health advice you need, including vaccinations, disease risks, and food and water safety advice for your destination.
Easily access our popular Medical Directory using your IAMAT membership number to find qualified IAMAT affiliated doctors at your destination.
Take us with you! Plan your trip with our Travel Health Planner and generate a personalized guide to our medical services and travel health advice for all your destinations. Print a copy, save for future online viewing, or access with your mobile.
Sign up to our Blog and get helpful updates and tips related to your health and international travel.
Receive our quarterly e-Newsletter (with membership sign up) highlighting our programs, projects, and key developments in travel health and medicine.

Thanks to Snap Design and Blaeberry Solutions for their invaluable expertise and making this project a reality.

Please have a look and let us know what you think. We appreciate your feedback!

IAMAT Staff