Forums > Areas > Southern Mexico

syndi_cation

Oct 31, 2007, 9:26 AM

Post #1 of 7 (1843 views)

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ANTI-MALARIALS

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Hello,

I've read some of the posts on anti-malarials when going to the yucatan and am wondering if I really need to take them (considering the side-effects). I leave 1 week from today going to Tulum, Coba, and Valladolid. I'm staying 1 week. I'm seriously considering just deeting up. Any comments on this strategy will be much appreciated!

Cindy

raferguson

Oct 31, 2007, 9:42 AM

Post #2 of 7 (1837 views)

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Re: [syndi_cation] ANTI-MALARIALS

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The anti-malarials have a reputation for not being harmless, so I tend not to be enthused, for most trips.

I suggest Deet and long sleeves.

You might consider the pretreated clothing for any jungle visits. Ex Officio makes "Buzz Off" clothing that is chemically pretreated with repellent, you only need to treat your hands and face. It looks like normal street clothing, costs $60 to $80 per garment.

Richard

http://www.fergusonsculpture.com

yucatandreamer

Oct 31, 2007, 10:28 AM

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Re: [syndi_cation] ANTI-MALARIALS

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We live in Merida and travel around the Yucatan and have done so for 4 years now. I have never heard of anyone getting malaria, though I guess that it is possible. Much more common is dengue but generally that is specific to a distinct area. We also have never contracted dengue. The advise of using deet and being cautious is the best. You will be in areas that are very safe and full of other people so there will most probably have been sprayed. Dawn and dusk are the worst times for bites so spray at those times, especially around your ankles.

tonyburton

Oct 31, 2007, 10:33 AM

Post #4 of 7 (1834 views)

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Re: [syndi_cation] ANTI-MALARIALS

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Unless the preventative regime has changed recently, I believe you are probably already too late for a pre-trip regime to ensure protection before you arrive. Like Richard, I would opt for covering up (with or without insect repellent) and avoiding the great outdoors as far as possible at dawn and dusk. It's only the female mosquitoes that you need to watch out for, you can safely leave the males alone... Enjoy your trip!

tonyburton

Oct 31, 2007, 10:37 AM

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Re: [yucatandreamer] ANTI-MALARIALS

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"I have never heard of anyone getting malaria," Well... you have now! Fortunately, the most dangerous form of malaria is not endemic to Mexico, but restricted almost entirely to parts of Africa, and (equally fortunately) treatment for the Mexican types of malaria is usually effective (as it seems to have been in my case, despite what my wife claims).

syndi_cation

Oct 31, 2007, 11:40 AM

Post #6 of 7 (1828 views)

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Re: [tonyburton] ANTI-MALARIALS

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Wow, you guys are great! Thanks for the rapid response!

I am still within the window of taking the meds 'cause I won't be inland until the 10th when I will be in Coba, but I am very reluctant to take them. Thanks again, Cindy

hopalog

Nov 3, 2007, 9:37 PM

Post #7 of 7 (1776 views)

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Re: [syndi_cation] ANTI-MALARIALS

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We live in QRoo and while I remember one child getting malaria a couple years ago, it is pretty rare. Dengue is actually on the decrease (in QRoo, according to the local paper) but it is still the disease to be concerned with (and avoid). Catnip essential oil has been reported to be more effective than DEET against mosquitos.

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