Malaria Shots/Preventitive Medicine Question

[Tree]

Ok I'm not sure if this is in the right place or not, but I figured I need to ask and this is a good resource.

Me and my husband are going on a trip to Roatan at the end of May and I was curious if we should do any kind of preventive medicine so as to not risk Malaria. I aplogize if this is a silly question, but considering the only other place I've been out of the country was Cozumel I figured it would be best to ask. I guess being taught the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask is my mantra.

Also is there other things that we should be concerned about health wise? Or any vaccinations or anything we should have done before we go?

Sorry if its silly, but I had to ask.

Thanks in advance,
Tree

 

[grahamsp]

The CDC web-site gives you the answers you need. Go tohttp://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/camerica.htm. Note in particular the section (down the page a bit) on prevention.

Graham

PS http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm gives a complete overview.

 

[Otter]

The Center for Disease Control is a good reference for these types of questions. Here is a link specifically about Malaria and they do recommend Chlorquine in Roatan (on the right hand side of the chart).

As for general concerns about the Carribean, click here. Remember, the Govt is likely to err on the conservative side.

Hope this helps and enjoy the trip.

Edit: I guess I spent too much time looking for other links

 

[Tree]

Great! Thanks for the info. I just wanted to make sure we had all of our ducks in a row so to speak long in advance before the trip.

Thank you guys!

Tree

 

[Lloyd]

I go to the Honduras twice a year for medical missions. Malaria is really there. You want to be protected. Use a good mosquito repelant to prevent other diseases such as Dengue Fever. Where I go, they have a sometimes fatal form of Dengue. Also watch what you eat and drink. Roatan is beautiful though.
Have Fun,
Lloyd

 

[reefsong]

CDC website should always be consulted before traveling abroad and yes, malaria is of some concern.
However, from my own experiences traveling to Roatan, I can tell you that what will make you absolutely miserable is the huge welts and intensely itchy sand fly bites ("no-see-ums") that Roatan is notorious for. Although rare, you can get a disease called leishmaniasis, a parasite transmitted to people through infected sand fleas. There is no vaccine, BUT if you liberally apply a bugspray with DEET during the dawn/dusk hours, you will be able to prevent most bug bites, including sandflies and mosquitos. The beneficial trade-off between applying a stinky DEET spray versus weeks (yes, weeks!) of scratching red, itchy, weeping welts with the possible associated risks for both malaria, leishmaniasis, and just good old fashioned skin infections from the bites you've just scratched open, should be obvious.
But Roatan is a lovely place with very nice diving and you will have a great time!

 

[bob1dp]

Use your repent and mosquito nets at night. Light weight long sleeve shirts and pants are great to bring along. Get ready to throw ‘em on at sunset if you start seeing mosquitoes. I caught Malaria in Zimbabwe and it sucks; the Malaria that is not Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe was very nice. CDC is the best source of info.