Tanzania , country profile
1.Short tips for travelling in the country
Tanzania is a country rich in natural beauty, including national parks, reserves, endless savannahs, lakes and islands with dream beaches. Organising a trip in search of animals in Tanzania can be a unique and unforgettable experience. What are the important rules for organising a trip in search of animals or natural beauty in Tanzania: first choose the right period, i.e. the dry season from June to October, this is the best time to spot wild animals; in these months, animals concentrate around water sources and are easier to spot.
Then choose the best areas to observe wildlife in a spectacular setting. The parks, famous for their wildlife, environments and animals are located in the northern territories and are the Serengeti; Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. The Tarangire National Park with its 2,850 square kilometres is the sixth largest park in Tanzania.
You can travel around the vast Tanzanian territories in many ways: using a jeep; travelling some stretches on foot, with a good guide, even in a hot-air balloon, and even using internal transport. Choose your safari and your way of travelling carefully.
Enjoy the trip you have planned until the end while always keeping your health in mind. Follow the preventive advice given by those who know the situation and prepare your trip properly. Consult with those who can give you the right advice and travel with peace of mind. If you wish, ask me for information and advice by writing here and putting in the required data. (click here https://www.clinicadelviaggiatore.com/modulo-consulenze-online/).
The first thing to do while travelling is to protect yourself from mosquito bites and other insects. These insects (vectors) can transmit viruses, bacteria and parasites, including malaria almost everywhere. As a first line of protection, use effective repellents, including natural ones. This indicated product, NOZETA, is very effective, harmless, and can also be used by babies, pregnant women, and people with delicate skin. It has a number of properties that are very useful when travelling.
Beware of tick bites. The problem is real, especially where wild animals are concentrated. The disease is serious, sometimes dangerous if undiagnosed, transmitted by ticks. It is called exanthematous typhus. You have to prevent it with unwelcome substances such as Neem oil, and you have to have the right drugs to treat it.
Dengue virus fever is particularly widespread along the coasts but is present almost everywhere.
In recent years, it has spread and is a major health problem even and especially in large cities. Use effective repellents for this disease, too, and protect yourself from bites, and advise your specialist if you should be vaccinated for the disease with the new QDENGA vaccine (click here https://www.clinicadelviaggiatore.com/qdenga-il-nuovo-vaccino-contro-la-dengue/.
Use mosquito nets and insect repellents.You can use insect repellents or classic mosquito nets. Diarrhoea from food and water contamination is common during travel.Be careful and follow the advice given below.
Malaria is widespread throughout the country and several risk areas are described below. The disease occurs particularly during the rainy season.Yellow Fever, a zoonosis particularly of primates (certain types of monkeys), which constitute the reservoir and may be healthy carriers of the virus.Get vaccinated against Yellow Fever, which I recommend as a connoisseur of the area.The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of mosquitoes.
Always trust in your immune strength and good health, but help your body by strengthening it with effective preventive practices.
Dr. Paolo Meo, infectious tropicalist physician
2.Health alert
-Cholera in Tanzania and other African countries (June 23): the epidemic of cholera cases, which has always been present in the area but has been on the upswing for several months in the north-west, continues. Cases reported in Arusha and in villages in the area of the great parks. Cases in the Dodoma area and suburbs of Dar Es Salaam.
The cholera epidemic in the WHO African region continues to evolve. Cases reported in 13 countries.Five countries (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania) recorded a significant increase in cases in May 23. In week 10 (6 to 13 March 2023), a total of 4110 cholera cases were reported from 11 countries.In the first quarter of 2023, however, 40,563 cholera cases with 818 deaths were reported.The disease exists and is endemic in most countries.Ask to be vaccinated with the effective and safe oral vaccine.
-Dengue (July 23):The disease that has been present in the country for more than a decade, has been on the rise since March ’23 and reported cases have increased. An interesting study, published in the Lancet, explains the reason for the low aggressiveness and also for the rather mild symptoms that the population in Tanzania, and in the African continent in general, has.
The study shows that in several countries on the continent, although all patients tested were infected with the same genotype of the dengue virus, black individuals were protected from aggravating dengue disease, suggesting the presence of protective genetic or environmental factors among people of African descent. The milder clinical manifestations of dengue in African patients would explain why dengue epidemics in Africa are small and milder than in Asia and Latin America.And clinical forms are often mistaken for symptoms attributable to malaria.Disease-specific tests need to be introduced in many countries, alongside malaria tests, to detect outbreaks of the virosis and guide diagnosis. Indeed, local patients have a lower incidence of severe dengue.However, the disease has spread like wildfire.Important to request the Qdenga vaccine.
– Ticks – exanthematous typhus
A small tick to pull out
The presence of people in densely populated areas facilitates the occurrence of tick-bite-related diseases.Arthropods, order Ixodidae, are included in the class Arachnidae, the same class as spiders, mites and scorpions. Ticks are external parasites ranging in size from a few millimetres to about 1 centimetre, depending on species and stage of development.
Ticks suck various microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, from the blood of animals. In particular, Rickettsia mooseri is present.Exanthematous typhus is the disease that can develop, and this bacterium is able to spread via the lymphatic system.Diagnosis must be swift and treatment prompt.In 2023 in different areas of the country and also in Zanzibar we saw the spread of ticks and consequently the disease.
-Marburg virus (March – June 2023)
On 21 March 2023, an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, a particularly aggressive virosis causing haemorrhaging and even death, was first reported by the Tanzanian Ministry of Health. On 2 June 2023, the Ministry of Health of the United Republic of Tanzania declared the end of its first documented outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD). A total of nine cases (eight laboratory confirmed and one probable) were reported between 21 March and 31 May. All cases were reported from Bukoba district, Kagera region.A total of six deaths were reported during the outbreak (case fatality ratio 67%).Following WHO recommendations, the declaration was made 42 days (twice the maximum incubation period for Marburg virus infection) after the last possible exposure to a probable or confirmed case of MVD.The outbreak appears to have been resolved.
3.Climate, weather health and environment
a.Current weather situation https://www.3bmeteo.com/previsioni-meteo/tanzania
b.What are the different seasons in the country and how does the climate influence the spread of diseases?
Tanzania is characterised by a tropical climate, which is greatly influenced by the altitude of the different areas.
The rainy season runs from October to May, with the two different rainy seasons occurring between January and February in the far northern part of Tanzania.
In general, the climate is hot and humid on the coast, while the north-western highlands are cooler. There are no major differences between winter and summer temperatures, a characteristic of equatorial countries.
Therefore, the seasons are divided into:
– Rainy season: October to May, with the two rainy seasons combined in January and February.
– Dry season: June to September;
During the rainy season, the landscape changes considerably.They may vary in intensity and distribution depending on the area, but the rains bring lush vegetation and the growth of rivers and lakes.This leads to an increase in vegetation, with many plants flowering and fruiting, and an increase in wildlife, with many animals feeding on the flowering plants and new leaves.
During the rainy season in Tanzania, the landscape becomes greener and more lush, with an increase in vegetation and wildlife, and an increase in rivers and lakes.
During the rainy season, many animals can find more food and water, and it can be easier to identify them. Many species of animals reproduce because of the abundance of food and water. The vegetation is denser and animals do not need to move as much to find food and water. During rainfall, major flooding and widespread landslides often occur. These phenomena damage the habitats of wild animals.
In general, areas in north-western Tanzania, such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, are still accessible during the rainy season, but some roads are closed due to flooding.
4.What impact does climate change have on the seasons and the environment?
Climate change in recent years has had a significant impact on the country’s environment. The main effects of climate change in Tanzania include:
– Decreased agricultural productivity: a large part of the population lives in rural areas that depend on rain-fed agriculture, which is threatened by rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and intense and sudden rains.
– Increased diseases: there are several climate-sensitive diseases that tend to spread during droughts and floods.The tendency
The increasing trend and spread of water-related diseases such as cholera, soil fertilisation and malaria is an indicator of how climate change is affecting the increase of many forms.
– Increased vulnerability: agriculture and livestock are the dominant sectors of the Tanzanian economy, providing livelihoods, income and employment. A temperature increase of 2°C – 4°C could alter the distribution of Tanzania’s seven agro-ecological zones. Areas that used to cultivate perennial crops would only be suitable for annual crops.
– Increased economic costs: Tanzania’s economy is highly dependent on sectors affected by climate variability and change. It is estimated that climate change will lead to large additional future economic costs ranging between 1% and 2% of annual GDP by 2030.
On the other hand, climate change is having a significant impact on Tanzania’s fauna and flora, creating the conditions for a drastic decrease in the territory. These include:
– “the Drought: Frequent and severe droughts in many parts of the country are affecting food production and water availability, threatening the survival of many animal species.
– “Habitat Loss”: Poorly planned agricultural expansion, fencing, settlements, urban centres, roads and other human activities are causing the loss of natural habitats
for many animal species.
– “Declining animal populations”: many animal species are seeing their populations decline. For example, in the Serengeti-Mara, the dominant species, the wildebeest, has seen a 9% decline in land occupancy, corresponding to 36 fewer days in a year.
– “Loss of food resources”: Drought, erosion, desiccation and consequent loss of food resources are threatening the survival of important animal species.
– ‘Ecosystem degradation’: Illegal exploitation of riparian sands for the needs of construction companies is causing resource depletion and degradation of the Lake Victoria ecosystem.
Thus, the current climate changes, characterised by changing temperatures, long periods of drought with sudden flooding rains, are causing a number of problems for the country’s fauna and flora, including loss of habitat, dwindling animal populations, loss of food resources and ecosystem degradation.
Among the most notable animal species are:
– ” the Lions”: according to a Wired article, climate change is endangering the lions that inhabit the Serengeti National Park, East Africa’s main and largest wildlife reserve.
– “Animal species in general”: An article by AGI reports that 27% of animal species are also at risk of extinction in Tanzania, due to the sudden changes in the climate.
for many spRemove DIV Tags from HTML with this Simple Web Tool – DIY Danielleecie animals.
– “Declining animal populations”: many animal species are seeing their populations decline. For example, in the Serengeti-Mara, the dominant species, the wildebeest, has seen a 9% decline in territory occupancy, corresponding to 36 fewer days in a year.
– “Loss of food resources”: Drought, erosion, drying up and cons risk extinction also in Tanzania, due to sudden climate change and loss of biodiversity.
5.What are the characteristics of the environment of the country you are travelling to?
Tanzania has a number of different environments with their own particular geography and characteristics:
-‘Central Tanzanian Plateau’: This region is characterised by a vast plateau with plains and arable areas. Devoted to agriculture and pastoralism. The expansion of these human activities has resulted in the disappearance of immense areas of forest and scrubland. The expanses of woodland are increasingly shrinking.
-‘East Coast’: It faces the Indian Ocean and is hot and humid. It is about 800 kilometres long and stretches from the border with Kenya in the north to the border with Mozambique in the south. It is characterised by a vast alluvial plain that extends up to 80 kilometres inland. Rich in mangrove forests and swamps, the coastal region is also famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania is the largest city and is located on the east coast of the country. Ports in the coastal region include the port of Dar es Salaam and the port of Tanga.
In summary, the east coast of Tanzania is a region of great economic and tourist importance, characterised by a hot and humid climate, mangrove forests, white sandy beaches and important trading ports.
-‘Mountainous northeast – Kilimanjaro region’: This region is mountainous and includes the volcanoes Meru and Kilimanjaro, it is the highest point on the African continent.
-‘Savannah areas’: The central regions of the country have huge areas of shrub savannah, while in the wetter areas in the north-west of the country, towards Lake Victoria, park-like wet savannah prevails.
-National Parks: Tanzania has several national parks, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha National Park. These parks are famous for their wildlife, including the African ‘big five’: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros.
As we all know, Tanzania is famous for its national parks, which are home to a wide range of wildlife and offer you the opportunity to go on unforgettable safaris. Here are some of Tanzania’s most famous national parks and where they are located:
– “Serengeti National Park”: Located in northern Tanzania, east of Lake Victoria, the Serengeti National Park is famous for its vast plains, which stretch as far as the eye can see, and for the annual migration of more than a million wildebeest and zebra. It is migration and settlement territory for thousands of animal species.
– Ngorongoro Crater: Located in northern Tanzania, it is an immense volcanic crater that is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, lions and cheetahs. It is a migratory territory for hundreds of species that come to quench their thirst, particularly in the hot and dry seasons.
– “Arusha National Park”: Also located in the north of Tanzania, close to the great volcanoes, first and foremost Kilimanjaro, it is famous for its wildlife, including giraffes, zebras and colobus.
– Selous Wildlife Reserve: Located in southern Tanzania in the Great Parks area, it is the largest wildlife reserve in Africa and is home to a wide range of wildlife. Thousands of different species of mammals, birds, reptiles and all kinds of insects. Famous are the herds of dozens of different species of monkeys, elephants, rhinos, lions and cheetahs.
– ‘Ruaha National Park’: The park is located in the centre of Tanzania, and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lions and cheetahs.
The beautiful and immense Tanzania is famous for its national parks, but attracts for the vast expanses of savan ,
for the highest mountains in Africa and a coastline characterised by beaches with crystal-clear and particularly hospitable sea. The coral reef continues to attract divers.
6.What diseases can I find in Tanzania? What are the real risks
In this list, we list the diseases that are most prevalent in the different parts of the country. The incidence of individual diseases is linked to the seasons, rainy periods and humidity, which favours both forms of transmission by insect bites and those spread by micro faecal particles.
Anthrax
It is endemic throughout the country. It is a zoonosis (animal disease) and can involve humans in small outbreaks. It is present all year round throughout the country.
Cholera
Cholera outbreaks have always been reported in the country. Present more in the city suburbs and in villages of a certain size where the fertilisation of the environment favours the spread of the disease. Currently, the risk is increasing after the Covid-19 years,
It is reported in the following regions (districts): Arusha, Coast [Pwani], Dar es Salaam (Ilala, Kinondoni), Dodoma, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Lindi, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza, Rukwa, Shinyanga, Tanga, Zanzibar (Ladysmith area, particularly the Umhlumayo areas in the east and Watersmeet in the north).
Dengue
The mosquito-borne viral disease has been endemic for more than a decade, from data provided by the WHO and personal experience of the writer. The risk is lower and therefore low in the highlands, in park areas, and is present up to 2500 m.a.s.l. but it grows along the coast, in Dar Es Salham and is also present in Zanzibar.
Present on the coast and islands throughout the year, the endemic tends to decline particularly in the northern, highland and park areas during the dry periods with milder temperatures between May and October.
Hepatitis A
The country is considered hyperendemic with ‘high risk’ for all unvaccinated receptive individuals. Vaccination is good protection for the disease.
Hepatitis B
Medium-high risk (HBsAg prevalence in 5-7% of the population).
Yellow fever
The country is at risk due to the presence of the virus (flavivirus) in monkeys, healthy carriers. Yellow Fever is in fact a zoonosis, an animal disease, and is transmitted by mosquito bites. Vaccination is strongly recommended, particularly in inland areas, central savannahs and parks.
Typhoid fever
The country has a high salmonella endemic. The type of salmonella characterised by the Vi. antigen is present (injection vaccine recommended).
Malaria
Malaria is present in most territories. There are endemic areas in the country with a high risk of P.falciparum. The risk is therefore present throughout the country, including urban areas, below 2,500 m, throughout the year.
The risk decreases considerably between May and October/November. P.falciparum is present in > 85%, resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and also to Atovaquone throughout the country. Rare cases of Pl. Vivax.
These are some of the provinces in Tanzania where malaria is particularly present:
– Muheza; – Lushoto; – Babati; – Hanang; – Loliondo
According to estimates in recent years, malaria is now also present in some previously malaria-free mountainous areas no higher than 2500 metres above sea level.
Prophylaxis
The first protection to avoid the onset of malaria is to watch out for mosquito bites. The following precautions should be taken:
a.Sleep under ‘treated mosquito nets’ with dedicated insecticide products;
b.Wear, if you can, long-sleeved clothes and long trousers, particularly during the ‘evening and night hours’.
c.Apply insect repellents to exposed skin that are effective. I recommend NOZETA – NEEM oil, which is very effective and has repellent and soothing properties.
d.Take antimalarial drugs in chemoprophylaxis, effective, safe, not resistant to plasmodium, evaluated by the specialist doctor through counselling or controls before, during and after the trip to Tanzania. (see the specific malaria chapter)
e.avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, as malaria is transmitted through their bites. Mosquitoes are most active during the evening and night hours, so it is important to take precautions during these hours.
For chemoprophylaxis I recommend:
Doxycycline 100 mg: it is an excellent drug of choice for stays in both tourist areas and adventurous travels, during trekking, and in the case of using tents or less controlled accommodations. It is suitable for stays in protected residences or areas of low risk, as well as for high-risk stays. You should know that “doxycycline 100 mg” is a drug of choice not only for the prevention of malaria infection but also for the prevention of bacterial intestinal and skin infections and infections caused by tick bites. Due to its characteristics, the drug is very versatile and can be taken for very short or brief stays, a few days or weeks, but also for a long period, i.e., for several months. It is worth noting that drugs based on tetracyclines, including doxycycline, are taken for over 1 year by individuals with acne, i.e., infections on the face or trunk. It is a safe, effective drug with few or minimal side effects. We remind you that at prophylactic doses (100 mg per day), the effects of photosensitivity to sunlight are practically absent. Nevertheless, we recommend the use of sunscreen. It is an affordable drug. It is not suitable for use in children under 12 years of age or during pregnancy, or in case of allergy or intolerance to tetracyclines. It should be taken every day during lunch, starting from the entrance to the malaria-risk area, for one week after leaving the malaria-risk area.
Atovaquone-Proguanil, a drug on the market for almost 20 years, still provides good antimalarial coverage for chloroquine-resistant forms, although forms of resistance and reduced efficacy have been reported for several years. It is suitable for pediatric use and can be taken for periods not exceeding 30 days, but it can also be used for up to 60 days. The recommended dosage is one tablet daily, starting 2-3 days before the trip and continuing for 1 week after returning.
Mefloquine, a drug used for over 30 years, is effective for both prophylaxis and treatment. It works well for adults and also in pediatric populations. Its efficacy and safety have been demonstrated in pregnant women as well. It is suitable for use in individuals in good health but should be avoided in patients with heart conditions, arrhythmias, neurological or psychiatric disorders, and those suffering from insomnia. Side effects may include symptoms of peripheral and central nervous system irritation. It should be avoided by individuals engaging in activities like diving, high-altitude stays, repeated and prolonged air travel. The recommended dosage is once a week, starting 1 week before the trip and continuing for 3-4 weeks after returning.
- What to do if I experience health problems after the trip?
Upon returning from a trip, in case of illness, fever, diarrhea, or any other symptoms, even mild, it is essential to consult promptly (in case of fever, preferably within 24 hours due to the possibility of having contracted malaria if returning from a high-risk area) a Specialist or an expert in Tropical Diseases. If malaria is suspected, request a malaria test without delay. Always remember that infections can manifest even months after traveling to tropical areas. Inform the attending doctors about your travel history to tropical areas, especially if you experience any unusual symptoms.
- Some useful health information for maintaining wellness during the journey
The main rules to prepare for the trip and maintain good health are:
- Give your body time to adapt to the new climate and environment. Engage in physical activity before the trip if possible, and acclimate your body to the new rhythms during the journey.
- Vaccinate against Yellow Fever if required by the health authorities of the country you are visiting.
- Protect yourself from mosquito and insect bites by wearing appropriate clothing, using mosquito repellents, and sleeping under mosquito nets.
- Avoid swimming in contaminated lakes or rivers to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.
- Take precautions to avoid altitude sickness if traveling to high-altitude areas.
- Inform someone reliable, especially in remote or less secure areas, about your travel plans and keep them updated about your whereabouts.
- Carry essential medicines and a small travel pharmacy, taking into consideration the specific health risks of the destination.
13.In the suitcase What should I pack and what medicines should I bring?
Mountain or sea, safari and adventure, or a relaxing vacation, hot or cold: you must carefully prepare your luggage, pay attention, not overpack, and above all, anticipate… the unexpected. Bring appropriate clothing for the climate and never forget a small travel pharmacy.
Security: www.viaggiaresicuri.it www.dovesiamonelmondo.it
In conclusion, traveling to Tanzania offers an opportunity to explore a country rich in cultural diversity and natural beauty. To fully enjoy the experience and stay healthy, it is crucial to be aware of health risks, take necessary precautions, and seek medical attention promptly if any health issues arise.
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