malaria in Panama?

[toppot]

My neighbor, who is a medical office manager with secret aspiration of being a dr., is worried that we will get malaria on our May 5 Mariner trip through the Panama canal. Do we need to bring the mosquito repellant?
Thanks, Terri

Terri

[Gsel]

Terri,
We just finished a trip to Panama on HAL and never saw a mosquito. But, take the repellant just in case. Better safe than sorry!

Mardi Gras 1972
Carnival
Cunard Princess
Monarch Sun
Sun Viking
Rhapsody of the Seas
Veendam
Celebration
Rotterdam

[Gsel]

Also, one of the things that allowed the US to finish the canal after the French failed was getting rid of Malaria. If you will read the history of the canal this point is stress over and over.

Mardi Gras 1972
Carnival
Cunard Princess
Monarch Sun
Sun Viking
Rhapsody of the Seas
Veendam
Celebration
Rotterdam

[Gatowoman]

Hi,

Being a native Central American, it is best to be safe than sorry in those parts...just take repellent with a high DEET level and you should be fine (and, dress appropriately!)

Cheers,

RSSC Mariner - Mexican Riviera - March 9 2004

[englishlee]

Toppot

We are the same cruise as you next week. We are not taking any anti-malarial medication as there is no risk in the Canal Zone (according to the CDC website) although in other parts of Panama there is. As previous replies to your question have suggested an insect repellant is well worth taking, we are taking one with a high DEET content for when we're off the ship on excursions.

Maybe see you on board.
Lee

[Frank5]

Another precaution you might consider is taking a standard dosage of Vitamin B complex a week before your trip and always wearing bright colors when outside. They don't like the scent of Vitamin B and are attracted to dark rather than bright colors.

[toppot]

Thanks for the great replies, especially about the vitamin B. I had not heard of that. I will also make sure to bring along the bug spray.

Terri

Terri

[Frank5]

You need to take a standard dosage of vitamin B complex tablet every day beginning one week before your trip and every day while on your trip in order for it to work. Have you ever noticed how two people can be outside and only one is bitten? Some of us smell better to bugs than others! While this is not foolproof, it works for enough people to be worth the effort. Besides, a little vitamin B complex is good for you.