Health & Safety

Review your vaccinations: Check with your doctor or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding recommended vaccinations for travel to South Africa. Currently, the CDC recommends that you be up-to-date on diphtheria-tetanus and measles, and also that you consider an immune globulin vaccine for protection against Hepatitis A. You may call the CDC at 404/332-4559 or visit their website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/. 

Possible Ailments

• COVID-19: Read CDC information on COVID-19 in South Africa.

• Traveler’s Diarrhea: Just the change in food, water, and climate can lead to an upset stomach. If you get diarrhea, treat it with Pepto-Bismol and drink lots of water. When you are ready to eat again, start with rice, bread, crackers, and broth (bring bouillon cubes or dry soup). Imodium (Loperamide is the generic equivalent) is a stronger medication to be used only when absolutely necessary. It does not cure diarrhea but slows down the digestive system, which can lead to other problems. Some herbal teas are thought to aid in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea such as ginger root, raspberry, comfrey, and peppermint – feel free to bring some tea bags with you.

• Hepatitis A: According to the CDC, travelers to South Africa are at high risk for Hepatitis A. Studies have shown that many cases of travel-related Hepatitis A happen to travelers in developing countries with “standard” itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behavior.

• Typhoid: Typhoid Fever is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and/or water, or directly between people. The CDC recommends a typhoid vaccination for those traveling to rural areas or staying long term (more than six weeks).

• Malaria: Malaria is a mosquito-borne illness that is present in parts of South Africa, depending on the time of year and the area of the region. CGEE will contact you if your travel seminar may encounter a risk of malaria and will advise what precautions will be necessary. In the city of Cape Town, for example, there is no risk of malaria.

• HIV/AIDS: 10-15% of the South African population is infected with HIV. The HIV virus can only be contracted through unprotected sexual activity and/or the exchange of blood. CGEE staff will provide you with more information on HIV/AIDS and ways to protect yourself when you arrive.

Additional Health, Safety, and Security Information for All Locations