In Reply to: First time traveller to Bali posted by IanDurrant on Thursday, 25. May 2006 at 20:51 Bali Time:
Malaria is particular risk in Lombok and other islands and only somewhat less so in Bali.
You should be a bit concerned that malaria is reportedly on the rise in Bali despite conflicting claims that the island is malaria free. In the southern tourist areas alone there were 688 cases reported within the first quarter of 2002. The whole of 2001 for this area saw only 753 cases with 8 deaths. Protection is wise. Dress to cover legs and arms from sundown on. Use skin repellents liberally and ask for a mozzie coil to be placed under your table when dining.
** Dengue Fever is another mosquito borne disease which can sneak up on you anywhere in the tropics. The mozzie is smaller, quieter, less painful and active during the day, which of course increases the risk of being bitten. It pays to use repellent all the time. If you suddenly develop a fever with a rash, call a doctor. Some travellers suggest that vitamin B1, started 2 weeks before you go and continued while you are there makes the skin unattractive to the Dengue mosquito.
- If your travels are going to take you further north the risk situation would be worse.
4 to 6 weeks before travel consult your doctor for CURRENT medical advice and preventative medicines (be very careful in maintaining the dose schedule) rather than relying on out-of-date travel books or past freedom from infection.
- Precautions are simple to take. Doryx is a commonly prescribed anti-malarial.
- Anti typhoid might also be wise.
Have a look at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm.
DO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR CURRENT ADVICE.
When in Bali wear clothes that cover bare skin around the hours of sundown - when mozzies are particularly active - to dawn. Use personal repellents and aerosol sprays. Ask for a mozzie coil to be lit under your restaurant table. Mozzie nets might be advisable for sleeping in northern areas where there might be no window screens. Some travellers even dip them in insecticide. They are not all that common in the shops in Bali but there is a shop in the small street that runs between Jls Melasti and Padma. Also further along Jl Legian towards Seminyak there are some other shops. Another shop is in Jl Sahadewa (also known as Garlic Lane) towards the end nearest Melasti Street where the Taman Legian Gardens Restaurant is on the corner. Shops which sell cushions also seem to have them frequently.
The Oz Army uses Johnsons Baby Clear Lotion Anti Mosquito (with a light green cap in 2002) in tropical jungle work. Has no DEET so good for those with sensitivities. - - - ' . . it worked for us too!'.