Stock-up your first aid kit before you leave. (Karin Theron)
parasitic disease transmitted by tsetse fly. Apparently no new cases were reported in Namibia for decades, so it is currently not seen as a threat to visitors. There is no vaccine available for sleeping sickness.
Heat exhaustion or heat stroke
An adult should normally drink four to six litres of water or other fluids (including what is in foods) per day. High temperatures can easily double this requirement. Loss of water and salt from the body causes heat exhaustion and ultimately heat stroke. Prevention: Make sure that you always have enough water with you and take special precaution when you travel into remote areas. Make sure that your water intake is enough, especially when it is hot.
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Symptoms: Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer sweat to cool itself while the body temperature is rising. Heat stroke presents with a temperature of greater than 40,6 째C in combination with vomiting, confusion and a fast pulse. Treatment: People suffering from heat stroke must be cooled in the shade with water poured on them, after which they must slowly start drinking water.
Medical insurance
You have to ensure that your own medical insurance have you well covered during your overland trip, otherwise take out extra travel insurance. Make sure that your insurance includes medical evacuation. Namibia has good private hospitals but because of distances, air evacuation may be required.