Do most people take a malaria preventative when traveling in Belize?
Sep 22nd, 2012, 04:13 PM
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Do most people take a malaria preventative when traveling in Belize?
Is malaria common enough to warrant a preventative? I'm pregnant and we have a toddler and are trying to travel somewhere with out rampant malaria.
Sep 23rd, 2012, 05:03 AM
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I'd take the above one step further. I'd talk to a physician who specializes in travel medicine. In my opinion, pregnancy and having a toddler along means a very careful consideration of benefit/risk from the meds.
That said, I've taken both Cholorquine and Malarone without any side effects what so ever. Mefloquine is the one that's known for bizarre side effects, such as hallucinogenic dreams. I don't think the others are.
I live on Ambergris Caye for several months out of the year and choose not to take anti-malarials. I don't know anyone who is there long term who does take them. That doesn't mean I'm advising you not to.
That said, I've taken both Cholorquine and Malarone without any side effects what so ever. Mefloquine is the one that's known for bizarre side effects, such as hallucinogenic dreams. I don't think the others are.
I live on Ambergris Caye for several months out of the year and choose not to take anti-malarials. I don't know anyone who is there long term who does take them. That doesn't mean I'm advising you not to.
Sep 23rd, 2012, 11:23 AM
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Here's what the CDC says:
<i>Malaria
Areas with malaria: All areas, especially the districts of Cayo, Stann Creek, and Toledo. None in Belize City and islands frequented by tourists.
Estimated relative risk of malaria for US travelers: Low
Drug resistancec: None
Malaria species: P. vivax 100%.
Recommended chemoprophylaxis: Districts for Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo: Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, or primaquinee. All other areas with malaria: Mosquito avoidance only.</i>
I haven't taken any prophylaxis on my trips to Belize. I've taken Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) on trips to sub-Saharan Africa and do experience nausea with it (I've tried taking it at different times of day, with food, etc) but everyone reacts differently.
<i>Malaria
Areas with malaria: All areas, especially the districts of Cayo, Stann Creek, and Toledo. None in Belize City and islands frequented by tourists.
Estimated relative risk of malaria for US travelers: Low
Drug resistancec: None
Malaria species: P. vivax 100%.
Recommended chemoprophylaxis: Districts for Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo: Atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, or primaquinee. All other areas with malaria: Mosquito avoidance only.</i>
I haven't taken any prophylaxis on my trips to Belize. I've taken Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) on trips to sub-Saharan Africa and do experience nausea with it (I've tried taking it at different times of day, with food, etc) but everyone reacts differently.
Sep 24th, 2012, 04:01 PM
#7
The doctors will probably tell you that it is safer to take the prophylaxis than to risk going without it. Bur if you are uncomfortable, why not travel someplace non-malarial, and save Belize for later?
Sep 25th, 2012, 05:12 AM
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I get around and usually hear about individual cases, incidences or outbreaks and have heard very little this rainy season about malaria. When do you plan to visit? During the dry or rainy season?
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