Malaria

[DoctorFeelgood]

So, how many of us take Malaria prevention before going to Central America?

[CaptData]

Don't know about South America but it is now recommended for dominica as they have had a malria outbreak which has killed one Canadian.

[Krazy Kruizers]

When we walked the ruins of Mexico and Costa Rica our doctor recommnded that we take the Larium pills. We also took them for South America and parts in Europe.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Dominica

Interesting. We have been there several times and never took Larium pills.

We will be there again in March.

Will have to talk to our doctor about taking the pills.

Thanks for the information.

[Esme]

Don't know about South America but it is now recommended for dominica as they have had a malria outbreak which has killed one Canadian.

I thought the alert was out for the the Dominican Republic. , not Dominica.


http://www.cbc.ca/story/science/national/2004/12/01/malaria-BC041201.html

[wander]

On numerous trips we have taken Malaria medications as a preventative on our Physician's orders and/or travel clinic advice. It usually depends on only on the country but where you are going in the country. For example, if you only travel in the cities and during daylight the answer MAY be no, but if in the countryside and/or for the night it MAY be a yes. You really need to check with medical travel experts you and/or your doctor respect.

While we have never had any side effects from Malaria pills (thankfully), they can cause problems so you probably do not want to take them unless medically necessary. Most of our reasons for taking them were for travel in the true jungle areas of several South American countries, in some areas of South East Asia and in the parts of Africa because of where we slept when on safaris.

[CaptData]

You are right Esme. Sorry I forgot to type in the Rep after.

[sareid]

We will be stopping at Catalina Island off the coast of DR in December- does anyone know if this area poses a risk (it is just off the coast of La Romana which is not too far from Punta Cana which is where the recent outbreak of several infections occurred)

[divinggirl]

FYI on Lariam--probably OK for most people, but there are alternatives and on my trip to Panama I won't be using Lariam. Good old chloroquine for me...

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/01/27/60II/main538144.shtml

[Pete Jackson]

Another consideration is the seasonality of rainfall in the area you plan to visit. Mosquitoes peak during and after the heavy rain eason, which is the late summer and autumn in the Caribbean and Central America (parallels the "hurricane season"). By the time the peak tourist season comes, in the late winter and early spring, the mosquito population will have dropped considerably. In other areas, learn when the rainiest time of the year is, and travel there at the opposite time of the year. Or, if you can't avoid travelling during, or just after, the rainy season, be more likely to consider the malaria protection.