tuberculosis in RSA

[Rev Buck]

Was reading some very alarming articles about an extremely drug-resistant form of TB causing problems in South Africa.  Many of the AIDS patients are getting it, but other people are getting it too.  The docs say there is no treating it: sounds close to 100% fatal.  This makes me think hard about my aspirations for an African hunt.  I don't wanna go over there and not come back.  Does anybody know about this?  Rev

[JJHACK]

They don't call it the dark contenent for nothing!

There are countless things that want to bite, claw, sting, scratch, poke, kick, stomp, and envenomate you. Not to mention Malaria and tse tse flys and the most disgusting of the bunch the Bot flies.

Whats another life threatening virus or contagious illness to worry about? Rememeber that southern Africa has about 80% HIV of the breeding age population too!

Now to put a few things into some perspective. The media is responsible for this news in both USA and RSA. They are also the ones who caused the panic across the USA for Cipro and ammoxicillin shortages a few years ago saying that the Anthrax threat in the USA was going to kill millions, then it was bird flu, and global warming. This in in the good ole USA too.

If all the white people visiting and all the white people owning farms were dying it would be a much bigger news story. It's just another line of crap from the media so they have something to write about. Go to the US Government website on visiting foreign lands. Type in South Africa and see what warnings they give you. 

My bet on this subject is that some little village in the bush had a problem and the news wrote it as if it were spread across the whole of Southern Africa.

[RAC]

I have been to South Africa twice and did not catch any diseases.  However, there is a bigger problem from going there that can even lead to financial ruin....ADDICTION!!!   If you go hunting there you will obsess with getting back to Africa.  Now when I buy some new toy, I look at it from the standpoint that it could cost me 10 or 20 % of another visit to Africa.  I work overtime now just so I can squirrel away enough money for more hunting trips.   I have flashbacks periodically.  Looking at my pictures or video makes it even worse.  I am reminded of Africa every time I look at the trophies on my wall.  It is killing me that I cannot go this year but I will remedy that in '08.
AFRICA IS MY CRACK COCAINE!!!

[Dusty Miller]

What a wonderful addiction!  Perhaps you'd tell us what your TOTAL cost per trip is??

[RAC]

What a wonderful addiction!  Perhaps you'd tell us what your TOTAL cost per trip is??

No including trophies, I think about $10000+ the first time which included my wife.  The 2nd time was around $8000 by myself.  Airfare is included. 

[JJHACK]

So Roger, what am I then a "dealer"

[RAC]

So Roger, what am I then a "dealer"

    Jim, if I hadn't had so much fun I would have chalked up up to a once in a lifetime experience and crossed it off my list.   Now, I am afraid its going to cost me my confort in my old age!  I just wish I could figure out a way to go every year.

[elmer]

Jim I sometimes print and share your posts with my wife, but this is one thread I'm not sharing with her. If she thinks I will get addicted to Africa she won't share her air miles with me.