Malaria - Siem Reap
 

I was unaware until just now that malaria is an issue in Siem Reap. Do most people recommend anti-malarials before a 3-day visit (I guess the length of the trip doesn't matter!)? Other than Siem Reap, we are visiting the main tourist cities in Vietnam (Hanoi, Hue, HoiAn, Saigon) and Hong Kong, so don't think it's otherwise required.

ask your doctor but i certainly took malerone for my whole time in siem reap....

I will, and I figured as much. I was just surprised. Thanks.

As long as you are right along the coast of VN, those areas are low risk for malaria.

Some sources make the distinction that the town of Siem Reap is lower risk for malaria than the area of the temples (which covers a lot of territory). If you will be out at the temples at dawn and dusk (and you should be), you will be at risk.

Consult with your travel med professional about whether to take anti-malarials. For such a short stay, malarone is the one that makes sense, as you only have to take it for a week after leaving the area. Some people opt to be absolutely meticulous about using an effective repellant (usually deet, 30-50% concentration or one of the extended release products) and forego the anti-malarial. Note that it takes just one bite from an infected mosquito to transmit malaria.

I'm assuming you have already gotten appropriate immunizations for your trip.

No immunizations yet Kathie -- we're not leaving until March 5, 2011!!

Thanks for the info. Better safe than sorry on this one.

Ah, you have time, then. Do try to get your Hep A and Hep B series completed before you go.

Yes, we will get all of them. May as well have them updated now (because I expect we're going to HAVE TO head back to SEA in the future!!)

Also remember that even if you are taking antimalarials you should still take precautions not to be bitten! I like to wear long sleeves in the evening especially when dining outside which we love to do. If you are going out to the temples in the early morning (a must!) spray on the repellant before you leave your hotel & take it with you for "topping up"

We will do that too! (although long sleeves in the heat of Siem Reap doesn't sound too appealing, mosquito bites, malarial or otherwise, sound worse!)