To stay healthy in Madagascar, it’s essential to take a few precautions, especially given the limited availability of emergency medical facilities. While some towns and villages have a clinic, a medical mission, or a doctor, these establishments often lack medications and adequate equipment.
Here are some practical tips to help you stay well throughout your stay.
First, pay close attention to the food you eat. Avoid raw vegetables unless they’ve been thoroughly washed, peeled, or boiled. However, there’s never a guarantee that the water used for washing is safe. Thus, the best option is to skip raw vegetables unless they come from a hotel or restaurant recommended by your guide. Additionally, even when drinking bottled water, it’s easy to overlook foods that have been washed with untreated water, which can quickly lead to digestive issues.
Fruits should also be handled with care. It’s best to peel them yourself with clean hands and to avoid any that are already peeled. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before every meal or food handling. This might seem obvious, but after several hours of driving with few breaks, it’s easy to forget this basic habit.
Also, to avoid upsetting your digestive system, it’s best not to drink large glasses of fruit juice, especially at the start of your trip. These juices are often acidic and can disturb your digestive balance. Ice cubes should also be avoided, as they are rarely made with purified water.
If you get a cut or scratch, disinfect the wound immediately. In the warm and humid climates of Madagascar, injuries tend to get infected more easily and often take longer to heal. It’s also recommended to wear comfortable, well-worn shoes to avoid blisters. These small foot injuries can be particularly challenging to treat in a humid environment.
Finally, the combination of humidity and heat can lead to skin irritations. Make sure to dry off thoroughly after a shower or seawater swim, and wear loose cotton clothing that allows your skin to breathe.
These simple precautions will help you fully enjoy your trip while staying healthy in Madagascar.
