Malaria Risks
Risk is part of life – we accept that. As such, we are not risk averse travellers. We travel to some pretty far flung places and accept that this comes with some challenges. However, we do like to know what our risks are, so that we can make wise decisions and, if nothing else, know when we should be concerned if one of us should fall ill. Malaria is a risk in most tropical and sub-tropical areas; it thrives in environments that are humid and have and high rainfall – perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed in and thrive.
Malaria is primarily is a risk primarily in provinces that border Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, and Laos.
Anti-Malaria medication recommended for Thailand:
– Atovaquone-Proguanil
– Doxycycline
– Chloroquine resistance has been documented
– Mefloquine resistance ha been documented.
The information we provide here was as far as we knew in 2023. You should speak to a travel clinic for the most accurate and up to date information.
The following areas have rare to few cases:
Bangkok
Chang Mai
Chang Rai
Koh Phangan
Koh Samui
Phuket
There is no malaria risk in these areas:
Krabi Province
Pattaya City
The following provinces are worth noting as a risk, especially the rural forest and forest fringe areas:
Kalasin
Krabi
Nakhoni Si Thammarat
Narathiwat
Pattani
Phang Nga
Rayong
Sakon Nakhon
Sonkhla
Surat Thani
Yala
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a risk in many part of Thailand and there are reports of increased risk in 2023. There is no preventative medication or vaccine available for this. The only prevention is to take steps to avoid mosquito bites (e.g.: apply DEET-based repellant regularly; use mosquito nets when sleeping) as much as is reasonably possible. Learn more at the CDC.
Malaria
Malaria is a disease caused by a single-celled parasite. The parasite is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People who have malaria usually feel very sick with a high fever and shaking chills. It is common in tropical and subtropical countries. In 2020, an estimated 627,000 people died of malaria—most were young children in sub-Saharan Africa. Read more at the CDC.
Medication Name: Atovaquone Proguanil (generic) or Malarone tabs.
Dose: Take one tablet daily while starting two days before entering malaria zone, while in zone and for seven days after with food.
We'll be travelling in areas with potential Malaria exposure for six months, but taking these pills for that long isn't great for the kidneys. In addition, these pills have given one of us nausea in the past, Instead, we'll use while in our highest risk location - Cambodia. We'll do our best to stay on the regimen, but side effects may change that.
We don't know the cost of this medicine yet. We'll update more once we've purchased it.
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