What about health issues in North Sulawesi?

[scubajena]

Hi again folks. Still looking for my trip to Bunaken/Lembeh I spoke with friends and most of them warned me about vaccination, malaria, dengue, rabie and whetever else.
I've never been concerned about vaccination but someone went to North Sulawesi and take vaccinations and lots of precautions.
Really what's happened? Reading this forum many or maybe all of you have been there.
What did you do to be safe? I have to be worried or just bring tons of repellent?

 

[highdesert]

Health Information for Indonesia | CDC Travelers' Health

 

[Indah]

Health issue for travelling to Indonesia

 

[Kilili]

My experience:
Have gone to both Bunaken and Lembeh each year for the past five years, average at least a month each time.
I take no special precautions, no malaria meds, etc. For malaria, there is no sure preventive medicine, and some can cause real problems for divers.
Bug spray always good to bring, though I normally encounter very few, and rarely use it. I sleep under the nets provided. If no net and windows open at night, there's a good chance the mosquitos will bite you. Remember, only the females do this. Also, I don't spend any significant time in the night air.
Not aware of rabies concerns, etc. Don't think I've ever seen a dog, which is usually prime carrier. Bali does have an outbreak now, for the last two years, and not under control.
I don't visit villages, and that seems to eliminate almost all encounters.

Yes, there's malaria, dengue, rabies, hepatitis, and more, but a few sensible precautions will make the risk minimal. Staying home can be dangerous too. Couple of years ago, I got stung by a yellowjacket, had a reaction for the first time, and it nearly killed me. I was swimming in the pool at the health club downtown.

 

[Camel]

I lived there for many years and never had any problems. There can be, at certain times of year, a lot of mosquitos but malaria is not an issue in North Sulawesi. Indonesia is enourmas and is made up of a lot of islands. There is Malaria around but not in North Sulawesi. Don't bother with the expensive bug repellants. The local bug spray called OFF works a treat, is readily available and cheap. Never came across or heard of a case of rabies whilst i was there.
If u r unsure about it then just follow your local gov health guidelines for Indonesia, or look at some of the links posted.