Dengue Outbreak in the Solomons

[Griffo]

I was wondering if anyone had any real information on the Dengue outbreak in the Solomons? It's all over the news here at the moment, and all my family and friends are freaking out a bit about our planned wedding in July. We are going to Gizo via Honiara then New Georgia (UEPI). It's hard to get any reliable information - obviously the hoteliers are all "it's fine" while the local doctors are all advising against taking children etc.

Can anyone tell me whether by July the mosquito population will have dropped off? Is the outbreak really as bad as the news make it sound??
And what regions are currently affected?

Thanks!

 

[whaylonsmithers]

Griffo. In short, I think you'll be fine and have a great trip. In long, see below.

There is a good hospital in Western Province that should be able to help you out - never been there but I'm reliably informed its excellent. Failing that get your GP to contact someone in the ministry of health and/or the National Referral Hospital. Failing that Aspen Medical has a hospital in Honiara servicing the RAMSI mission and they are very strong on mosquito borne viruses. Failing that Neil Yates is in Honiara and runs Tulagi Dive as well as the hyperbaric chamber. He is an excellent source of informed comment for any diver travelling to the Solomons, plus if you're going through Honiara try to squeeze a shore dive in with him. Failing that PM me and I'll find someone for you to ask.

You're going there in dry season and the malaria/dengue incidence will normally be at its lowest. Having had dengue I strongly urge you to observe the precautions your GP will provide because its not to be trifled with. Without hospitalisation the effects are variable but start at bugger all and range up to agonising death. I'd take lightweight clothing featuring long arms/legs and a mossie net for sure. Aerosol or pump-pack Bushmans with 40% DEET is a fantastic product but don't spray watches or eyes with it.

I presume you've got insurance sorted. Evacuation from the Solomons costs a bomb and even evacuation within the Solomons (eg Gizo to Honiara for a chamber ride) will probably cost as much as your holiday. DAN is excellent for dive injuries but I'm not sure if they do general travel insurance.