Japanese Encephalitis vaccine in Malaysia and Borneo
Nov 1st, 2016, 06:41 AM
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Japanese Encephalitis vaccine in Malaysia and Borneo
Hi,
Just wondering whether it's worth getting the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine for 3 and a half weeks in Malaysia? I'll be staying in KL, Penang and Langkawi for about 3 nights in each place, and then will be spending 11 days in Borneo (Sandakan area) on a volunteering project (not working in rice fields or near pig stys).
I'm reluctant to get it due to the cost and will be slathering myself in 97% deet anyway...but obviously if it's a must I will bite the bullet and do it.
Any assistance would be appreciated - I will be speaking with a travel doctor as well but I'd like a couple of opinions...
Just wondering whether it's worth getting the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine for 3 and a half weeks in Malaysia? I'll be staying in KL, Penang and Langkawi for about 3 nights in each place, and then will be spending 11 days in Borneo (Sandakan area) on a volunteering project (not working in rice fields or near pig stys).
I'm reluctant to get it due to the cost and will be slathering myself in 97% deet anyway...but obviously if it's a must I will bite the bullet and do it.
Any assistance would be appreciated - I will be speaking with a travel doctor as well but I'd like a couple of opinions...
Nov 1st, 2016, 07:34 AM
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Hi Ester, welcome to Fodors. You posted two identical questions about two different countries, so I asked the moderators to consolidate them.
You will want to consult your own doctor as well as to read about recommendations at www.cdc.gov/travel or at the NHS website, fitfortravel.
First, read about the JE vaccine. The cdc recommends it only if you are staying in a rural farming area for 6 weeks or more. JE is a disease of pigs and ducks, so there have to be both hosts in close proximity for it to sustain itself and be transmitted by mosquitos. So JE is very rarely transmitted to travelers.
Also, read about preventing mosquito bites. 97% deet is not recommended for application to the skin. Use a deet product with under 50% deet, 30% is what is usually recommended, or use a picardin repellant.
Have a wonderful trip!
You will want to consult your own doctor as well as to read about recommendations at www.cdc.gov/travel or at the NHS website, fitfortravel.
First, read about the JE vaccine. The cdc recommends it only if you are staying in a rural farming area for 6 weeks or more. JE is a disease of pigs and ducks, so there have to be both hosts in close proximity for it to sustain itself and be transmitted by mosquitos. So JE is very rarely transmitted to travelers.
Also, read about preventing mosquito bites. 97% deet is not recommended for application to the skin. Use a deet product with under 50% deet, 30% is what is usually recommended, or use a picardin repellant.
Have a wonderful trip!
Nov 3rd, 2016, 12:42 AM
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Thanks Kathie!
That's very helpful. Slightly concerning about the deet though...I wonder why they sell 97% deet if it's dangerous for application. In any event, good to know that before I leave!
That's very helpful. Slightly concerning about the deet though...I wonder why they sell 97% deet if it's dangerous for application. In any event, good to know that before I leave!
Nov 3rd, 2016, 02:24 AM
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100% deet is mainly intended for use on wristbands and clothing. We travel for extended periods and carry a 100ml bottle of 100% deet and dilute to 50% (or thereabouts) as and when needed. The higher the concentration the less often you need to apply so, 50% is ideal if you want protection during the day, 30% at night when the time period (I.e. Around dusk) is shorter. 100% concentration is not necessarily dangerous, but could irritate your skin if applied directly.
If visiting the jungle etc., then long sleeves and long pants are recommended (but IME, really uncomfortable in the heat and humidity.
We have spent a fair amount of time in Borneo over the years including travel in remote areas and never bothered with JE.
Most doctors, travel specialists or GP will usually use the CDC or NHS websites Kathie mentioned as their base reference http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/.../malaysia.aspx
If visiting the jungle etc., then long sleeves and long pants are recommended (but IME, really uncomfortable in the heat and humidity.
We have spent a fair amount of time in Borneo over the years including travel in remote areas and never bothered with JE.
Most doctors, travel specialists or GP will usually use the CDC or NHS websites Kathie mentioned as their base reference http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/.../malaysia.aspx
