We'll be on our way to AC this Sunday (for a couple of weeks). In the meantime, some friends are telling us that we should be taking precautionary measures against malaria by taking pills. Personally, I don't take pills for anything unless I really have to...especially if they may impair my drinking ability. BTW: We're planning a one day excursion to the mainland for the rainforest and/or ruins. So...what's the word? Do I need to take the darned meds???

NO

and even if ya did, 48 hrs before you go is too short a time to start.

one a week two weeks before you go, each week your there, and four weeks after return. we took 'em last year - no problems but have decided probably not necessary - not takin' them this year

or take Malarone - 1 day before you leave, everyday when you're there, and a week after you return.

Not necessary at all

Drink lots of Gin and Tonics... the quinine in the tonic will protect ya !

I found information on Malarone and according to travel specialist doctors, Malarone is the way to go. Start two days before you leave, one pill every day and 1 week after return home. It's not that inconvient, so we have decided to do it. You know the saying, "better safe than sorry."

When doing your research, you may also want to find information on how many human cases of Malaria have been diagnosed on Ambergris Caye or in the area you are visiting. Tne disease is transmitted by a mosquito who has bitten an infected person and then biting you. No cases human Malaria means zero chance that you will come into contact with a mosquito to transfer it to you.

As a side note; I am a biting bug magnet...they just love me. I did not get a single bite of any kind either in Cayo, Guatemala (Tikal) or on Ambergris Caye and did not even get the 3 botttles of DEET I brought as a precaution out of my suitcase.

Hon

With regards to the use of Malarone, while you can get it, it is not yet recommended for areas where the malaria is not yet resistant to Chloraquine.

Ergo, Malarone is the bigger gun that will be brought out when Chloraquine is no longer effective. And an added benefit, at this time Chloraquine is also significantly less expensive than Malarone.

Does anybody have any knowledge or an opionion about weather a 2 1/2 year old should take Malaria pills. I was told to give them a 1/4 of a pill. Just want to be safe.

Ask your Doctor!

Barstools and Dreamers,

I second papashine and will throw this into the mix... http://www.drweil.com/u/QA/QA326637/ ...just to make your decision even tougher.

Good luck in finding the info you need to make a good choice.

Hon

edit to include:
http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/2004/07/02/situation.htm
quote Dr. Vildo Marin, minister of health and communications of Belize "malaria cases dropped from 10,000 in 1993 to 1,000 in 2003"
So be sure that any information/recommendations you find reflect the latest data.

We found a new brand of malaria pills. They are supositories. I can't stand em but they are very mild and work just as well. I'm trying avoid taking this particular brand. Someone recommended a small dab of aramis cologne. NO LIE! They said it works up to 2 hrs.

Malarial suppositories and Aramis cologne. I'm not sure I can reconcile the method of application.

hmmmmm gotta wonder about those supp's...got a brand name?

or were they offered to you by a guy in a Cubs hat?

And he offered to install 'em too!

alright - now who needs to behave himself

Surely ya'll have heard of these. The guy that gave them to me said that most people in Belize use these. The only thing that confuses me is that the pills come in different sizes. Anywhere from a toostie roll to a tic tac. Plus, you have to take one 6 times a day. Parden the pun but, It's a pain in the ass... in more than one way.
Please tell me SOMEONE knows what I am talking about. I'd rather be safe than sorry so I start this process last week.

Does anyone know how long has it been since there has been a documented case of malaria on Ambergris Caye? When doing my research, I couldn't find a single case since 1995!

I really think that you are worrying about nothing.

Hon

The only person who should tell you to take or not to take meds is your Doctor! If they don't have the answer ask for a referal to a tropical diseases specialist.

Just because you can't find documented cases doesn't mean there hasn't been any. I will contact the Health Inspector for his input.

Earnesto said he would be happy to "install" them in the ladies. Men are on there own!

Is it safe to buy smoke? What is the deal with undercover?

Thanks SimonB. Contacting the Health Inspector is the perfect way to get reliable information.

Hon

Barstools & Dreamers: Check the Police Reports and Court Report in the San Pedro Sun for up-to-date info on buying and possessing "smoke", etc.

Holiday Inn Hattieville is a wonderful place to stay too, apres smoke.

Hmmm, we have gone from supositories to smoke...reminds me of a movie...Up in smoke..

Or "Up yours" and "Smoke"

Sounds like it's wise to steer clear of Marley's cigarettes.

Belizean cojibas

Geez, is it worth going on holiday if you have to be in the loo half the time sticking pills up ya butt???? Suppose it takes all kinds.......

......is it worth going on holiday if you have to be in the loo half the time sticking pills up ya butt?.........

Uh, it's probably just me, but the Malaria sounds less threatening.

Barstools and Dreamers freely admits to being a worrier and he posts a lot looking for reassurance. We can only hope that he can relax enough to enjoy his vacation.

Hon

Oooooh......very tempting to post a naughty along the lines of - --------- says what? What? -------/--------!!!!

Enjoyed the post! Nothing like a bit of bathroom humour to get everyone going...... so to speak!

It is my understanding that the suppositories are for the treatment of moderately severe Malaria in patients who cannot keep oral medication down due to the vomiting associated with Malaria. I would be surprised if you could even get a prescription for it.

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=1534

Additionally, I have to echo Seashell's concerns regarding the use of Malarone when Chloraquine will suffice. The U.S. CDC recommends Chloraquine for Belize as there has been no resistance to that drug developed.
I've read the articles posted above and taken another look at the CDC site and have decided we will be taking the Chloraquine again this time. We had no side effects at all last time and the pills were covered by our insurance as they are recommended by CDC.
Almost everything we do involves some degree of calculated risk - for example there are no guarantees about the flight over - I think I've decided why take a risk you don't have to take?

JMO - and you know what they say - we all got 'em.

Talked to the Health Inspector and he said he'd seen no cases since he arrived on the island which was about a year ago I believe. He's going to check on 5 year stats.

Rural areas on mainland belize are the most likely areas to run into Malaria so if you're overnighting in one of the jungle lodges it may not hurt to be prepared even though the risk is low.

Check with your Doctor though, there can be reactions with the drugs and only your Doctor can advise whether or not you should take the drugs.

You are not safe anywhere!

Thursday 29 August 2002


Malaria caught in UK
A man who works near Heathrow airport but who has not visited a country with malaria recently is being treated for the disease. The source is unknown but experts investigating the case suspect it was brought into Britain by a mosquito on a plane. An alternative possible cause is blood from an infected incoming passenger. PHLS officials have warned GPs near airports to watch out for further cases. Global warming is making it easier for malaria-carrying mosquitoes to survive the UK climate and low lying areas in East Anglia and Kent and the Severn Estuary and Somerset Levels are particularly at risk of infestation. (Daily Telegraph)

Apparently there are about 19 cases of what is known as 'cryptic' malaria in the UK annually. This means that there is no obvious reason for having caught it abroad.

I decided that the possible side effects of malaria meds were not something I wanted to experience, so I chose not to take Malaria meds when visiting Belize. I wouldn't advise anyone either way except to say - make an informed decision.

Thanks SimonB. I really appreciate you getting this information for us. I'm a bit of a worrier as well (got nothin' on Barstools and Dreamers though ) and like to do a ton of research before I make important decisions.

FWIW, after weighing the risks and benefits, my husband and I decided not to take the malaria drugs prior to our vacation earlier this year. On the first leg of our trip, we were the only guests, of about 20, at Mopan River Resort (near the Guatemala border) who hadn't.

Collyk - malarial mosquitos have actually been caught in southern England. All part of climate change.

pedro2 I know that but I was just trying to find a legitimate source for information.

bump

Hey Simon,

Any info on the 5 year stats? We are coming in January and, even though Mr. Hon and I won't take the anti malarials, my sister is coming for the first time and she is considering a course of chloroquinine based on the combination of our research.

Hon

Although the likelihood of getting malaria here is very low, the repercussions if you do get it can be very severe. And even if you take the various meds they don't give anything like 100% protection (and reducing). The only way to be sure of not getting malaria is not to get bitten.

I should add that I know about malaria, as I had tertiary cerebral malaria years ago; I live on AC, and I don't take any prophylactics. My personal decision - others must make their own. Do read WHO guidance, and do consult your family doctor.

The basic rule of thumb is if you are going to AC, you don't need anything... going on day trips on the mainland? still don't need anything.

The only time it's really recommended is if you are going inland for a 6 month stay.

Just go and enjoy yourself.

Probably right, Denny, but it takes just one bite.....

I'm w/ Pedro2 here, better safe (or as safe as possible) than sorry- and would add that CDC still recommends anti malarials for ALL of Belize, not just the jungle.

I would be more worried about dengue than malaria.

Okay, let's see, you don't want to take pills if they're not necessary, but you would like to know where to buy something to smoke?

You want to know what the doesage of anti-malarial pills you need for your 2 year old - but don't mind abandoning your kid if you get busted for drugs and then deported?

Maybe you could trade your kid for some smoke at home and then completely miss the trip and not have to worry about malaria.

Just a suggestion.

You're probably right pedro..