Phu Quoc Travel Forum

As much as I'm loath to ask a medical question on a travelers forum, I haven't been able to find any answer on the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) site.

So, here goes:

Is there any risk of malaria in January for travelers to PQ?

(I do remember tons of mozzie and the occassional gecko when I was there a few years ago, but can't remember a thing about malaria. And, if anyone's going to get bitten, it's going to be me, despite slathering on tons of lotions with DEET!)

See: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationVietnam.aspx

PJ

... and I quote:

Drugs to Prevent Malaria (Antimalarial drugs)
If you will be visiting a malaria risk area in Vietnam, you will need to take one of the following antimalarial drugs: Only atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline in the southern part of the country in the provinces of Tay Ninh, Song Be, Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, Dac Lac, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum. All other areas: atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine (primaquine in special circumstances and only after G6PD testing) (see map).

Note: Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drug in Vietnam and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region.

Malaria risk area in Vietnam: Rural only, except no risk in the Red River delta and the coastal plain north of the Nha Trang. No risk in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Da Nang, Nha Trang, Qui Nhon, and Haiphong.

Thanks. I already checked the CDC site, of course. (See my post! ;-D) But, it is silent on Pho Quoc!

oops, I was reading too fast and missed your CDC notice.

Phu Quoc is in the province of Tinh Kien Giang, so I think the following is applicable.
All other areas: atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine.

I'll have a second look at the map.

PJ

I guess my main question really is that I'll pretty much be on the beach, and wondered if the statement that the other beaches are malaria-free is also the case.

PQ is a bit weird, since it's an island.

BTW, I couldn't get the CDC's interactive map to load. I think THAT may have answered my q.

And, thanks again!

Well, after looking at the map, I don't think you need any Malaria pills.

This is an island in the ocean and malaria flies don't live on salty water.

Better bring factor 30 suncream and watch out for stingy fish.

PJ

Well, the bugs will find me, they always do.

I also think it'll be fine, but since I tend to get bitten often, I want to make sure!

<the bugs will find me>

One of the reasons I take my wife with me on holidays :)

PJ

It's me. Nope malaria not a problem there, BUT dengue fever is very much one at the momment. Even in the city, my friends son is now in hospital with it and hadn't left the city, and I think so far about 6 friends have had.
So in the morning and evening repellant, spray and coils should be used
Hopefully see you soon
Jonny

Thanks for update Jonny, and very sorry to hear about your friends getting sick. Off to buy major insect replant stuff today, including lotion, the stuff you spray on your clothes, and coils.

See you in a few weeks perhaps, and happy (non-Tet) New Year to you, and to Pieter on this thread, too.

There are some new, natural patches of bug repellent available online called
"don't bug me" patch. They are clear patches of vitamin B12 and aloe that absorb into your system and I have had amazing results from using them, even in jungle/mosquito areas. Sometimes I double up and slap 2 patches on for an extra boost. They last for 36 hours. A box of 20 is about $15 USD, available online. I swear by them !! I don't like to use chemicals and I have been the only person out of my friends NOT bitten, because of the natural remedy. Worth a try !! I don't leave home without them !!