Question for Utila divers

[liberato]

...better to be safer than sorry though I personally prefer repellents to meds.

I understand and appreciate that you would not be enthused about taking meds long-term as a resident. You might even have developed some bit of malarial resistance. But someone coming from a non-endemic area for a brief stay would be unwise not to take a preventative especially since the old standby choloroquine is cheap and still effective in that area. But as you said, bring the repellant, too.

 

[liberato]

....While you won't necessarily get malaria if you don't take the meds, you do run the risk of contracting it if you do.

Assuming from context you meant don't.

The CDC also publishes a yellow book annually called "CDC Health Information for International Travel" which is an amazing resource.

The online CDC Health Information for International Travel. And Honduras specific info.

 

[torontoscubagirl]

Thanks Liberato - yup. Also thanks for the links ; )

 

[hamletfish]

chloroquine increases your sensitivity to sunlight- which can be a problem depending how fair-skinned you are. malarone does not, plus it only has to be taken a few days prior to departure plus one week after.

 

[Bratface]

Don't forget about Dengue fever. Use your bug spray to keep the mosquitos off of you. My friend got dengue on Roatan and developed complications. It was quite painful and expensive to restore him to health.

 

[Mako Mark]

I lived on Utila for about a year and never took antimalarials or heard of a case of malaria except that which was contracted on the mainland. But, if you are worried about it, take them it is only for a vacation so you wont have to worry about the long term effects.

Apart from the long term effects, I didnt take them because I could smell them coming out of my skin within hours of taking them and they stank so bad I couldnt stand myself.

The other reason is that some believe theat they can mask the symtoms sufficiently to allow the disease to get a good hold due to delayed treatment.

I know plenty of travellers that dont take them until they get the first sign of fever, then take a triple dose of larium to knock it on the head early. (that is purely anecdotal though and the medicos on the board may be able to give us a better informed opinion on that)

Denge Fever which is caused by a virus has no treatment.
!

Breakbone fever!!! a world of pain.

It does have a treatment that requires Paracetamol, Valium and the careful minstrations of two Norwegian princesses.

Denge has 4 strains so you can get it 4 times -!

Bugger, one more to go!!

 

[Scuba-Jay]

When I was on Utila (may - Aug this year) Dengue was the big issue, not malaria. I have taken various meds at various times in my life (Afghanistan) and found the medications to cause more discomfort than they were worth. Just be smart, wear spray, dont get caught out at sunset or after big rains in shorts or T shirts, and you should be fine. Enjoy the islands!!

J

 

[Utila_ecology]

I would recommend you to take them. Having had Malaria whilst on Utila (and caught it here) I see no reason to put yourself at risk unnecessarily.

 

[hopefulist]

Keep in mind that malaria can be a life-long plague once contracted - I'd take the meds and avoid the bugs every other way possible.

 

[liberato]

Assuming cost is no object and for just a week or two use in a non-resistant area, would anyone disagree that Malarone is the best anti-malarial from a divers viewpoint?