SANParks.org Forums

An article fyi.

Spoke to my doctor today and he told me that anti malaria drugs do not mask the symptoms of malaria! Lots of varing views on the subject!

Hello,

Im wondering if i should take malaria tablets on my visit to the park in 2 weeks time. when i was there last it was summer and i never took any. so wondering now that its "winter" if it is necessary. can anyone advise?

I have decided to take seeing that there has been a fair amount of rain over the last few days again. (I am going next week). I have given it much thought as I'd really like to give the tabs a miss but it seems like the risks are too great.
Here is a lot of discussion on the topic.

thanks, i guess its better to be safe...also ive been reading up on my insurance and i dont think they will cover me if i cant prove ive taken precautions....

im in south africa next saturday 7th, but only in the park from the 13th...visiting family in JHB, then dullstroom before the park! Have a fab trip! and ill look out for all the yellow ribbons while im there!

(*note to self - dont forget to pack yellow ribbon!*)

Hi Springbok,

You actually need them more in summer than winter. However, it doesn't hurt to err on the side of caution and take something. Rather that than catch it!

They've both used medication without any side-effects.

I decided after much thought to purchases Melanil to take during our trip to Kruger next week. The fact that there has been good rain lately being the deciding factor. I am very anti any sort of drugs so gave this a lot of thought. Mozzies seem to head straight for me too if they are around. My local chemist did not have stock on the shelves and I have to wait for them to be ordered from Port Elizabeth ( a larger city close by). I had to have a doctor's script to be able to buy them and paid R33.00 per tablet which roughly converts to a simlar cost in the UK. We are not on medical aid so I do not know if they are covered in SA by med aid.

[quote="New Scientist"]Antimalarial drug combo cures 99% of children
Using a combination of two malaria drugs could stave off an “impending malaria treatment crisisâ€Â

Hi there, I have heard from someone that heard from someone about a bracelet that you wear and the the mozzies don't come near you. Does anyone know about this??? This person also said that he does not take malaria tabs when wearing this braclet??

It is here.

This bracelet wob't prevent malaria, it is a way to keep mozzies off you. But if you do get bitten by a malaria mozzie this bracelet won't help.

Just something interesting: Malaria mozzies bites below the knees downwards. Maybe wear it around your ankles.

More on malaria.

Most of my visits to the park are on pretty short notice and normally pretty close to each other so that would be continued use of profolaxis not really good for one. But I always check on the current mozzie situation from my sister(she works with clever ppl that know about these things).

I live by the motto if you are not bitten you can't get malaria.

My wife also had bad experinces on mefloquine and doxy has the side effect of making one photosensitive (which I already am), so I use insect repellants, fan/aircon and general common sense.

malaria can only be passed on by an infected mozzie which has bitten someone infected.

cheers
Mike

A very good friend of mine is a specialist physician specializing in occupational medicine, and his qualifications are longer than my arm. He is knighted by the queen (Order of St. Johns) for the work he has done in rural Africa. He has worked in Zambia, Swaziland, Malawi, Mozambique, etc. This guy knows what he is talking about. I once made the mistake of asking him about which malaria tablet is the best. After an hour explanation the abbreviated version is this:

1. Prophylactics mask symptoms.
2. You are going to get Malaria when bitten, regardless of the pills. It's quicker and easier to diagnose if you aren't using prophylactics.
3. Malaria takes about 2 weeks to take hold, but can be diagnosed within a few days of being bitten.
4. If you were in a Malaria area, and you feel the slightest bit sick, go for a blood test. In an hour you will know.
5. If treated early you will not even miss a day's work

So it's simple. You know you are going there, the day you get back go for a blood test. If you feel AT ALL flu'ish go and have a blood test done. It costs about R 160.00.

As far as kids and risk go, you as the parent need to decide, but you know your child, and if he/she looks sick you go to the doc and tell him where you've been. Otherwise take him/her for a quick blood test when you get home.

I would like to offer some words of caution here regarding malaria.

i worked in a medical entomology department for several years so i have experience in the field.
DO NOT advise or encourage others to NOT take medication, regardless of whether or not you have a doctor/specialist friend who has given you information. your advice, if taken can result in the death of the person.
regarding masking of symptoms.... yes some of them can. however, in many cases, the VERY FIRST indication that a person has malaria is when they fall into a coma. then its getting a bit late to help them, depending on where they are.
malaria is a deadly disease. it is not a just so story that several million people die per year. malaria is deadly. so, take precautions, be WISE about it.
do not take remedies that are unproven - that do not have scientific evidence for their efficacy. you are risking your life.
not all doctors are aware of malaria, and think to check for it if you are ill. if you have been in a malaria area, taken drugs or not, INFORM your doctor, and demand the appropriate tests. if the doctor doesnt do the tests, go to another doctor.
if you cannot/will not take drugs, then behave appropriately:
- cover up, stay indoors at night, wash your feet (mozzies are attracted to smelly feet - the bacteria odours), use sprays, sleep under a net, throw away the ultrasonic buzzing insect repeller, etc.

summary - be WISE!!! be INFORMED!! and dont play with your life, your childrens lives, or other peoples lives.
malaria is a deadly disease! live appropriately.