The Lake and
WILDLIFE
The beauty of the lake might make you forget things that you need to be wary of around here.
On this page you will find information about things that may pose a risk to your health and some helpful tips from some of the locals on how to avoid them.
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
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Deep water is your friend. Not only is it safer to go swimming in deeper waters (to avoid animals) there is also a far smaller chance of catching bilharzia.
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Thouroughly and vigourously dry yourself with a towel as soon as you exit the water. (again to avoid bilharzia)
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Try not to get water in your mouth when you’re swimming, and don’t open your eyes underwater.
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Take a shower when you’re done swimming, and immediately clean and treat any cuts or wounds – like if you cut yourself on a rock.
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Don't go swimming if you have open wounds or cuts – even a shaving cut on your face or legs.
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Keep an ear out for croc-sighting warnings. Know where is considered safe to swim and where is not... Also know that these locations can change without notice.
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Be wary during the rainy season if you are travelling by boat- the weather here can turn very quickly from a relatively calm day into a gale-force lightening storm.
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It is highly recommended to equip all children and poor swimmers with a life jacket or ensure there is a sufficient number of bouyancy devices on a boat when travelling.
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Do not travel by boat at night unless your boat is equipped with a light and you are very familiar with the territory.
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Do not go swimming in the lake at Dawn, Dusk or at Night. If, perchance, something bad happens to you, you are far more likely to recieve an angry punishment from the authorities rather than any sympathy.
Malaria
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite, transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
Symptoms include Fever (temperature above 38 degrees celcius), chills, nausea, diarrhoea and body aches. If you find you are showing these syptoms it is important to get a blood test as soon as possible, either from a local clinic or from a rapid test kit (these are available at most pharmacies around Zambia). If you are travelling around Zambia it would always be wise to carry around a rapid Malaria test kit and a course of treatment to cure malaria.
In recent years there has been a drastic reduction in malaria cases in the Siavonga Area due to local programs implemented to reduce malaria incidences. Within Siavonga town area it has become a rare thing to hear of a malaria case, but this does not mean it is impossible to contract the disease.
Although you may get mixed responses from local residents about taking preventative prophylaxis, almost everyone will agree that insect repellent is always a good idea. It is best to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos at all.
Image Source: Centre for Disease Control & Prevention
Unfortunatley Bilharzia is a reality in this part of the world. Caused by parasitic worms which live part of their lives in fresh water snails and part of their lives in human bladders or intestines.
A common indication of an infection is a localised, itchy rash- where the parasites have burrowed through the skin- later symptoms may include fatigue and passing bloody urine. Bilharzia is readily treated by medication (such as Praziquantel) and is only serious if it remains untreated.
Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia)
Image Source: Centre for Disease Control & Prevention
If you have an open wound it would be wise not to enter the lake. Often when entering the lake water with an open cut or wound, the wound may become prone to exacerbated infection, although the reasons behind this have not yet been clearly identified many believe this to be caused by the excessive microscopic Mica (silicate mineral deposits) found in the lake that may enter the wound and prolong the body's natural healing process. Non of this has been proven and this information remains speculation. Suggested treatment is a strong topical antibiotic.
Kariba Lake Sores
Wildlife
If you have an open wound it would be wise not to enter the lake. Often when entering the lake water with an open cut or wound, the wound may become prone to exacerbated infection, although the reasons behind this have not yet been clearly identified many believe this to be caused by the excessive microscopic Mica (silicate mineral deposits) found in the lake that may enter the wound and prolong the body's natural healing process. Non of this has been proven and this information remains speculation. Suggested treatment is a strong topical antibiotic.
