Malaria

[ajewellmom]

I have been told by my local health unit that they cannot prescribe Malaria meds to my daughters and that I would have to go to their doctor for that. So, we're looking at $35 for me to get malaria meds and the girls to get their Hep A shots as well as another $80 at their doctor to get malaria meds prescribed, plus the price of the actual meds. It's getting pretty expensive.

Is there a high incidence of Malaria on the North Coast? We are going to be at Bahia Principe San Juan if that helps.

 

[Rocky]

I have been told by my local health unit that they cannot prescribe Malaria meds to my daughters and that I would have to go to their doctor for that. So, we're looking at $35 for me to get malaria meds and the girls to get their Hep A shots as well as another $80 at their doctor to get malaria meds prescribed, plus the price of the actual meds. It's getting pretty expensive.

Is there a high incidence of Malaria on the North Coast? We are going to be at Bahia Principe San Juan if that helps.

There is no incidence, none, zip, nada, nothing.

 

[Chirimoya]

Malaria is virtually unknown in the DR, especially in tourist areas.

There is a risk of dengue fever though, but there is no preventive medication. Make sure you use insect repellent to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

 

[Kateinyork]

I've never taken Malaria tablets when going to DR and I've never heard of a case of Malaria there.

 

[ajewellmom]

Thank you all!! When searching the net they tell you there is a risk, but there's also a risk that I could fall and bump my head and there's nothing I can take to prevent that. I think I will accept the "risk" and skip on the meds. I will get the Hep shots for my daughters, though.

 

[Rocky]

Thank you all!! When searching the net they tell you there is a risk, but there's also a risk that I could fall and bump my head and there's nothing I can take to prevent that. I think I will accept the "risk" and skip on the meds. I will get the Hep shots for my daughters, though.

Hep shots are ok and you're making the right decision, to not take Malaria meds.

 

[Kateinyork]

Hep shots are ok and you're making the right decision, to not take Malaria meds.

Yes, I agree Rocky - I've known people take the malaria med and been so ill for the whole holiday they wish they hadn't gone anywhere! A friend of mine spent 2 weeks holiday in bed - and yes it was due to illness Rocky

 

[Rocky]

Yes, I agree Rocky - I've known people take the malaria med and been so ill for the whole holiday they wish they hadn't gone anywhere! A friend of mine spent 2 weeks holiday in bed - and yes it was due to illness Rocky

Those Malaria meds are really tough on one's system.
I had to take them once in Africa, as there was little choice, but it wasn't pleasant.

 

[Chirimoya]

I took them the first time I travelled to Latin America. Coincidentally I have suffered from heartburn ever since then.

 

[ILLINIFAN]

Those crazy Doctors. Mine tried to give me the Malaria stuff but I passed. I did however get a Hep A shot and a flu shot and he prescribed plenty of OFF. Mine also gave me Cipro just in case!!!!

 

[laurapasinifan]

well I think I remember that the US consul stated that a few caes of "something" broke out a year or more ago, and to "watch" for that....I dont think it was denge, because my gfs brother got that, and i would remember it...i was THINKING it was malaria...

is it possible I got it confused with another disease????

I thought the few cases were reported out near Punta Cana.....

I know I am getting old.....but....


I was right found this....

http://www.dr1.com/forums/east-coast/48487-punta-cana-iberostar-bavaro.html

second post

bob

 

[Chirimoya]

Yes, you're right - there were some cases in Punta Cana and it was blown right of proportion in the Canadian media.

 

[KeithF]

As well as the sporadic outbreaks, the WHO can't list DR as a 'Malaria free zone' due to the incidents of Malaria in Haiti. The risk in DR is almost negligable except on the border where it is still very low.

 

[jessicalee_nv]

I've taken the malaria meds (chloroquin) every time I've been to RD just because I am a mosquito magnet for some reason. Even with OFF and every other kind of bug repellant I attract mosquitos.

Speaking of those pesky little critters, does anyone have other suggestions for keeping them away? I've heard that black clothing attracts them and loose fitting clothes deter them. Any other suggestions?

 

[bluemoonnyc]

I've taken the malaria meds (chloroquin) every time I've been to RD just because I am a mosquito magnet for some reason. Even with OFF and every other kind of bug repellant I attract mosquitos.

Speaking of those pesky little critters, does anyone have other suggestions for keeping them away? I've heard that black clothing attracts them and loose fitting clothes deter them. Any other suggestions?

jessica,check your mailbox

 

[jessicalee_nv]

bluemoonnyc, got your PM and replied. Hope it helps.

 

[Hlywud]

check for alerts

in the USA check the CDC CDC - Malaria

in Canada check PHAC Public Health Agency of Canada

in the UK check Travel Advice by Country?Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Take advice from only your physician.


There is no sense in debating the subject further, nobody here is a medical professional.