FYI - malaria outbreak in Jamaica

Check out Google News and the CDC webpages for more info & to keep up
to date.

The CDC claims that the outbreak (160 cases to date) is currently
restricted to Kingston, but its something to keep an eye on, as Jamaica
is a common cruise ship port.


-hh

Another reason not to go to Jamaica!
"-hh" wrote in message
oups.com...
Check out Google News and the CDC webpages for more info & to keep up
to date.

The CDC claims that the outbreak (160 cases to date) is currently
restricted to Kingston, but its something to keep an eye on, as Jamaica
is a common cruise ship port.


-hh

On 12/28/2006 9:32 PM -hh wrote:
Check out Google News and the CDC webpages for more info & to keep up
to date.

The CDC claims that the outbreak (160 cases to date) is currently
restricted to Kingston, but its something to keep an eye on, as Jamaica
is a common cruise ship port.


-hh

There is an occasional outbreak in the Dominican Republic. It should
not be a reason to avoid the DR or Jamaica. Just see your Primary Care
Physician and ask what they recommend as a preventative. In most cases
you will be given an Rx for a malaria medication to take for a period
before, during and after your visit. In many instances areas with a
prevailing wind off the ocean will keep any disease bearing insects
away. Still it's a good idea to take the Rx.

--
____
Brian M. Kochera
"Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!"
____
View My Web Page: http://home.earthlink.net/~brian1951

Brian K wrote:
-hh wrote:
Check out Google News and the CDC webpages for more info & to keep up
to date.

The CDC claims that the outbreak (160 cases to date) is currently
restricted to Kingston, but its something to keep an eye on, as Jamaica
is a common cruise ship port.

There is an occasional outbreak in the Dominican Republic.

There was also (one? case of) West Nile in the Caymans.

It should not be a reason to avoid the DR or Jamaica.

Agreed - this is merely a "be aware / be prepared".


Just see your Primary Care Physician and ask what
they recommend as a preventative. In most cases
you will be given an Rx for a malaria medication to take
for a period before, during and after your visit.

Personally, I find that using a Travel Specialist is generally superior
than one's PCP, if you can find one locally. My wife & I can get a
single "family" appointment which usually runs around $75, plus the
cost of whatever scripts and innoculations you need - eg, Hep A, B,
Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Teatnus, Polio, plus whichever flavor of
anti-malarial that's appropriate to your destination (they do vary).

FWIW, the CDC is recommending Chloroquine, but only for overnight stays
in Kingston. As such, most cruisers probably don't apply, but even if
it does apply, the recommended Chloroquine is one of the less expensive
anti-malarial drugs.


-hh

-hh wrote:
Check out Google News and the CDC webpages for more info & to keep up
to date.

The CDC claims that the outbreak (160 cases to date) is currently
restricted to Kingston, but its something to keep an eye on, as Jamaica
is a common cruise ship port.

Do any regular cruise ships go to Kingston?

I have seen only O.R. and M.B. as stop points on any cruise I have
looked up on the internet.

"-hh" wrote in message
oups.com...
Check out Google News and the CDC webpages for more info & to keep up
to date.

The CDC claims that the outbreak (160 cases to date) is currently
restricted to Kingston, but its something to keep an eye on, as Jamaica
is a common cruise ship port.


-hh
I would image, that if your not careful in Kingston, you can pickup
something a lot more dangerous than maleria.
Just stay on the ship drinking and you can avoid trouble.

JP