vaccinations for the trip 7th feb, south america

[cornish erika]

we are traveling with young children on this trip and i seem to have conflicting advice as to what is necessary re jabs and tablets for maleria.

 

it seems that yellow fever is compulsory for entry into ecuador but cunard say that this is now relaxed

 

i dont want to take malaria pills if it can be avoided

 

has anyone got this sorted yet?

[jimneycrkit]

Ecuador only asks that you have a yellow fever shot if you have come from an endemic area. Haven't heard anything about malaria. Go to the CDC site and see what seewhat they say . If you are arriving on a ship and have not been in the jungle you are fine. There is a map on their site that shows the areasthat you have risks of exposure and those that don't. The coastal areas are fine.

[aanselm]

Melissa: are you guys not getting yellow fever vacines?

[mufi]

We recently visited South American ports and Dakar West Africa on QE2. We did not have any shots or tablets. We were told by the tours staff that they don't either.

 

David.

[jimneycrkit]

My mom and I are only getting a note from the doctor stating we don't need one. I refuse to get a shot for something I don't need. I will be printing up the CDC sight showing the endemic areas and taking it with me because I am sure some idiot at the dock will be misinformed. Even the Ecuadorian consulate says we don't need it.

[juliecat]

Absolutely get the yelloe fever and typhoid jabs. Even if Ecuador allows you in without a yellow fever certificate, other countries may deny you entry after your trip if your passport has stamps from countries where yellow fever occur if you don't have a WHO yellow card.

 

My brother in law almost died of typhoid contracted while traveling.

 

Why take the risk?

Julia

[jimneycrkit]

To each his own. I am not planning a trip to anywhere that would deny me entry to it because I have been to a place where a shot is not required. I stay in resorts and do not venture into a jungle if I ever do then at that time I would get a shot. I also have MS and the shots could cause problems.I will die from the MS anyway so really its no problem. Typhoid won't be a problem as I watch what I eat and where and for the most part will only eat on the ship. I am much more likely to get West Nile virus here at home than getting yellow fever in an area that doesn't have a problem.And the only place they stamp your passport is in Brazil which I have a visa for so no one knows where I have been.

[cornish erika]

thank you for the replies

 

perhaps further thoughts will be forthcoming

 

what is west nile virus anyway?

 

being british we are more concerned with bird flu!!

 

cornish erika:rolleyes:

[jimneycrkit]

Last summer over 10 people died in our area from West Nile virus and many people got exposed to it as well. We have tons of mosquitos here in the early sring thru fall. It is spread from birds to mosquitos to people

 

 

What Is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe WNV is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. This fact sheet contains important information that can help you recognize and prevent West Nile virus.

 

What Can I Do to Prevent WNV?

The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.

 

*

When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.

*

Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.

*

Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

*

Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.

 

What Are the Symptoms of WNV?

 

*

Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.

 

* Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.

 

*

No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.

 

How Does West Nile Virus Spread?

 

*

Infected Mosquitoes. Most often, WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.

*

Transfusions, Transplants, and Mother-to-Child. In a very small number of cases, WNV also has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, breastfeeding and even during pregnancy from mother to baby.

* Not through touching. WNV is not spread through casual contact such as touching or kissing a person with the virus.

 

How Soon Do Infected People Get Sick?

People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito.

 

How Is WNV Infection Treated?

There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with milder symptoms, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass on their own, although even healthy people have become sick for several weeks. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care.

 

What Should I Do if I Think I Have WNV?

Milder WNV illness improves on its own, and people do not necessarily need to seek medical attention for this infection though they may choose to do so. If you develop symptoms of severe WNV illness, such as unusually severe headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. Severe WNV illness usually requires hospitalization. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be WNV.

 

What Is the Risk of Getting Sick from WNV?

 

People over 50 at higher risk to get severe illness. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms of WNV if they do get sick and should take special care to avoid mosquito bites.

 

Being outside means you're at risk. The more time you're outdoors, the more time you could be bitten by an infected mosquito. Pay attention to avoiding mosquito bites if you spend a lot of time outside, either working or playing.

 

Risk through medical procedures is very low. All donated blood is checked for WNV before being used. The risk of getting WNV through blood transfusions and organ transplants is very small, and should not prevent people who need surgery from having it. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor.

 

Pregnancy and nursing do not increase risk of becoming infected with WNV. The risk that WNV may present to a fetus or an infant infected through breastmilk is still being evaluated. Talk with your care provider if you have concerns.

 

What Is the CDC Doing About WNV?

CDC is working with state and local health departments, the Food and Drug Administration and other government agencies, as well as private industry, to prepare for and prevent new cases of WNV.

 

Some things CDC is doing include:

 

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Coordinating a nation-wide electronic database where states share information about WNV

*

Helping states develop and carry out improved mosquito prevention and control programs

*

Developing better, faster tests to detect and diagnose WNV

[aanselm]

Got the following email from my travel agent yesterday!!

 

An emergency notification came to our office from Cunard and says as follows: NO yellow fever vaccination is required unless you intend to visit the jungle or rain forest areas of Ecuador or Peru.

 

I have not yet been able to confirm that with Cunard.

[cornish erika]

thanks very much for the enlightment on west nile virus

 

it seems that birds can be at fault again

 

thanks for the message about the email from cunard

 

this matched the info i got on the phone today(at my instigation!)

i have asked them to email me so that we dont fall into the red tape trap

 

after having a child with chicken pox on board a liner last year and treated like prisoners i dont want to take any chances this time!!!

[jimneycrkit]

I could see the quaratining of chicken pox for the kids but not the adults unless you haven't had them yet. Chicken pox causes shingles in adults and can be fatal. It killed my father after causing him to go blind. They are contagious several days before they even appear.Don't they have the shots for chicken pox yet in the UK? We have had them for years now 18 I believe because my son was one of the last kids to get them before they had the shots.They are trying to get a shingles shot out in the next year and I will run to the doctor and get one of those.

[cornish erika]

your poor dad

 

it was just real bad luck for us at the time

 

no i couldn't get a vaccination in the uk

 

even paying privately it was near enough impossible

 

one can only get it if they are pregnant and have been in contact.

 

i dont just think it's a NHS thing I think they are just not into it over here prefering people to be immune naturally

 

lets hope they dont have any wierd ideas on the bird flu jab

 

the embassy have now told cunard that yellow fever is no longer required for coastal ares but is required for those visiting the rainforest

[Verystormy]

As a brit married to a Peruvian and travells a lot to south america and other destinations around the world, you do not need yellow fever, typhoid or any other specialist jabs or malaria pills unless going into the jungle. I would however, i woulkd ensure that tetnas is up to date and also think about anti rabies (many cities have stray dogs and rabies has been found in the occaisionaly)