Malaria Meds
 

I've just done a search and can't find the post from someone on this board regarding the malaria meds to which the mosquitos in Zambia were becoming resistant. Does anyone recall that post? Thanks, Sharon

Hi Sharon,
Maybe you are referring to Chloroquine, which was referred to recently in the post OTC Malaria Meds? It is currently around #19.

stamiya~ this from the Doctor's Without Borders website:
Chloroquine, developed in 1934, is very cheap (US$0.10 per treatment), easy to administer and has few side-effects. For a while, it was the ideal anti-malarial, but its effectiveness has decreased dramatically in the last few decades: resistance to chloroquine now reaches over 90% in many parts of Africa. Resistance to other first-line drugs is also growing rapidly – for example, resistance to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP or Fansidar®) is already higher than 60% in several regions of Burundi and Uganda.

Make sure you use repellants (especially around your ankles, neck and ears) and spray your netting each night with Doom. i don't think the mossies were any worse in March than they were in October, I only had 10-12 bites each trip. I used Ultrathon on legs and arms and Perfect Sleep on my head.
Dennis

Dennis - thanks for the info. What is "Doom"? Sounds lethal -- which I guess is the whole point!

it's a spray that is usually in all the tents/chalets. kills all the bugs before they get into the netting. spray it before going to dinner, or ask the guy that turns down the bed to spray it then. in any case, don't spray it while in the netting and do let it dissapate.

And what's "Perfect Sleep"?

Do they provide "Doom" in the mobile, "Hemingway" tents as well?

One more thing. I know people who use Bounce fabric softener sheets as insect repellent on their decks, and say it's very effective.
Anyone ever do this in Africa? Any reason not to try?

"Perfect Sleep" is a spray similar to Off, and safe to spray on face.(avoid eyes of course) Has a very nice smell. I'm sure the mobile tents have some repellant.

Dennis - thanks again for the info. One of the worst things about insect repellents is the smell, especially when going to sleep. I'll try to find some Perfect Sleep spray.

stam-all the lodges i have stayed at have supplied "Perfect Sleep" and "Doom" I don't think you can buy it here as it is an aerosol and you're not supposed to fly with aerosols. Don't worry, the camps you're going to will take very good care of you!