Health Concern ?

[T-Bell]

Wile-E and I have gotten some good info for our upcoming trip to RSA from you guys, Thanks - Here another question -  

The CDC lists RSA as having a Malara risk. Our trip is scheduled for July. I will talk with my physican and see what she recommends but I would be interested hearing opnions from those of you who have been.

Any special precautions for Malaria or other health issues recomendations?

Thanks- T-Bell

[herb haines]

some of the meds have some side effects vivid dreams ect . don't want to be too squirrely on the plane ---- herb

[tonto]

I took medication when i went to Zim but not RSA. It is quite $$$$$. But so would be getting malaria.
 i took Malarone with no side effects. cost $130 for 30 pills.
Dean
also got hep a and b shots for Zim.
ask your PH they know best. Mine in RSA said not to waste my $$ but when I went to Zim with him he said it would be best.

[8th Dwarf]

You're dealing with a government agency.  They really don't know squat about a good percentage of the stuff they put out.

I have been to the Transvaal 10 times and Zulu land once.  I have seen ONE mosquito!!!  They have a serious problem in their summer time, but not in their winter, which is when you are going.

The meds are nasty, too.  I would strongly recommend that you DO NOT take Malaria Prophilaxsis.

Too Short

[T-Bell]

Thanks for the replies - Its good to be able to get first hand accounts - T-Bell

[Don Thomas]

Unfortunately, a lot of the advice given here is just plain wrong. Malaria is a serious disease that kills more people world wide than any other infection including AIDS and TB put together. The risk in RSA at this time of year is relatively low, but it is not zero no matter what anyone says. When in doubt, consult the CDC. Lariam (mefloquine) remains the first choice malarial prophalactic medicine for sub-Saharan Africa. Side effects are troublesome but not serious. Malarone is effective but expensive. I take it along for standby treatment of suspected malaria in the bush. Doxycycline is a safe, inexpensive alternative to either. Get your travel medicine advice from a qualified professional or the CDC, not from a bowhunting website. This from an MD who has spent 30 years doing this kind of medicine. Cheers, Don

[T-Bell]

Again, Thanks for the replies - It is good to get first hand information and opinions. I am not relying on this forum exclusively for my travel medical advise, I just asked for opnions and first hand experience. I will still consult my physician and get her opinion and will ask my PH what he thinks as well. Thanks-

T-Bell

[tonto]

Mr thomas
 Isnt there one of the malaria meds that also protects one from the tick bite fever. Ive read about quite a few people getting that.
Dean

[8th Dwarf]

Don...

I stand corrected.  Since you are, indeed, a Physician, I have to say that you are far more knowledgeable than I, when it comes to this stuff.

I was always under the impression that the "Malarial Mosquito" was not around in the South African winter.  Since I have seen but one in all my time there, I have never bothered with the stuff.

Do you take anything beforehand, personally, or do you just take the Doxycycline along?  Now you have me nervous!

Too F. Short

[Don Thomas]

I knew this would generate some controversy and discusson! The risk of malaria in southern Africa certainly varies greatly by location and season, and RSA in (their) winter is indeed a low risk area. But it only takes one mosquitoe! Partial immunity from prior exposure significantly modifies the course of the disease, which is one reason so many locals are fairly casual about it. But we don't have any immunity, which puts us at much greater risk of serious complications if we do get it. Yes, I absolutely take doxycycline prophalactically every time I go, starting a week before departure and continuing for six weeks after I get back. (In light of some more recent studies, I take it even longer after returning from a really high risk area like Zambia.) While I don't think any scientific studies have been done, the agent responsible for what's called tick fever in Africa (and Boutenouse fever in medical texts) is generally sensitive to tetracyline antibiotics so doxy may well offer some protection. No med can prevent malaria totally. Remember that the Anopheles mosquito only flies at night. Wear long sleeves and insect repellant after sundown. Part of my strong feelings on the subject stem from several experiences in my medical career when I cared for young,previously healthy people who traveled to Africa, didn't do any of these things, came home, developed malaria and died despite all the resources of the best modern medical care available anywhere. That left quite an impresssion.  Oh... remember that you wouldn't ask your doctor about shot placement on a kudu. You shouldn't ask your PH for medical advice for the same reason! Cheers all, Don

[Rick McGowan]

I took the Larium with absolutely no noticeable side effects. I've been the same place as Paul and never saw any mosquitos either, except for one pit blind that had about 30 in it, so it is possible. I always am doing dangerous things, so I think it is good to keep my tetanus booster up to date and I think that at least the Hep A shots are a good idea too. The travel clinic I went to also recommended the polio booster, good forever so I got that also. Rick

[Randy Cooling]

I also take larium and don't have any side affects.

[crane]

I have taken all three now. On all future trips it will be Doxy. If you are going to try Doxy, be advised that a very small percentage have an ACUTE reaction to direct sun, so you want to experiment before committing.

[Dsturgisjr]

I'm glad I always took my malaria meds.