mehta

Is it necessary to take anti malaria medication if one is going to South Africa at this time for a 2 week vacation? The visit will include going to Kruger national park for 4 days.Will it be possible to buy the medication at a local drug store in Cape town?Thanks

Angela

Mehta <BR>Depends where you are going in SA. Check with your Doctor. Non Prescription drugs which you purchase in the pharmacy are harder to use and not as effective. <BR>See your Doctor and get the more effective prescription drugs such as Mefloquine and Doxycycline. They need to be commenced before entering the malarious area. <BR> <BR>Mefloquine - one tablet per WEEK. Commencing one WEEK before holiday and continuing up until 4 WEEKS after return. <BR>Doxycycline - ?100mg per DAY commencing 2 days before entering malarious area and again until four WEEKS after return. <BR>They can have some side effects. But its better than catching Malaria. <BR> <BR>Usual measures also such as insect repellant with DEET in it. Nets at night, no bare body parts especially at dusk and night. <BR>No method offers 100% protection. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps <BR>Angela

Bert

You can buy a combination of Daramal (choloroquin) and Paludrin (proguanil) over the counter at practically any pharmacy in South Africa. Not very difficult to use: 2 daramal pills once per week and 2 paludrin pills once per day. It is very effective if used in combination with other preventative measures such as diligent application of mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved garments in the evening and sleeping in a room or tent which is 'insect-proof' or has a mosquito net. <BR> <BR>Consult a medical specialist: malaria is a potentially dangerous disease and it is important to take precautions.

Angela

Mehta <BR>As Bert says it will be wise to seek medical advice before going to SA. Then if given a stronger (prescription)medication there may be a chance to assess any side effects and consider an alternative if the tablets don't agree with you. <BR> <BR>Please remember though that there are some areas of chloroquine resistance in SA. The drug combination mentioned (chloroquine and proguanil) offers GOOD protection (as opposed to VERY good)if the area is not chloroquine resistant. <BR>Most impt thing is taking the drugs exactly as prescribed and for the correct length of time. Problems start if regime is not adhered to (ie not bothering with the medication once back from holiday.) And as Bert said using other precautions to protect fom mosquito bites in the first place. <BR>Angela (again - sorry)

Kim

By the way, new malaria med outnow. Called Malarone, much less side effects, tested very well against resistant bugs!!