Warning to Families and Couples in Tropical Americas: Zika Spreading Fast.

[bustermaw]

Originally Posted by travellerw

Alright.. We are gonna need more scientific info.. Brands, dosage, ect... LOL..

Not to derail this topic, but on a scale of 1 to 10, how bad was the sickness?

I can state with equanimity that when suffering from a bout of the trots in India a few years ago , the only cure was a bottle of vodka.
I tried antibiotics ,being dipped in the sea by a religious person and various hallucinogenics.
Only vodka worked.Therefore I hereby submit my scientific findings to date.

[tropicalescape]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

This type of mosquito was nearly wiped out by interventions (not DDT) and was allowed to re grow by countries not willing to continue the eradication investment.

So if it becomes serious again there is the choice of another erradication program.

(But how many kids will be born with huge brain damage before it becomes serious enough?)

The skeeters used to keep populations in South America in check(if you belive in the survival of the fittest) then Dupont thought they could do one better by spraying DDT..They outlawed it in the US back in the 70s but still produce and sell it in South America,Africa etc. today..Makes as much sense as the Europeans thinking they could change things for the better for the Native Americans where women did all the work ,there were no taxes, and men were able to go hunting and fishing..I know I am going to be lambastd for this one,have at it..

[tropicalescape]

Originally Posted by bustermaw

So!My sentences are not constructed properly. Ipso Facto, I must be a moron to be disregarded.
Having attempted to disgrace me with your Black Death scenario's ( yawn ). You try to destroy me with an attack on sentence construction.That's really hurtful.How will I sleep tonight ?

You had better learn how to do it in the correct manner or you will be labeled by those that can as 'unworthy"... perception is reality(sad aint it?) and that is usually the way it goes with most people..Damn reality let me screw your head up with some "perceptions"...

[Dr. Sea]

Originally Posted by travellerw

Alright.. We are gonna need more scientific info.. Brands, dosage, ect... LOL.. Not to derail this topic, but on a scale of 1 to 10, how bad was the sickness?

Chikungunya is not as bad as dengue but worse than zika. The symptoms are the same as dengue which made diagnosis more difficult. The extent of the effects seems to vary significantly in different people. I was weak, feverish, and bent over (chikungunya is an African word that means "contorted") for a couple of weeks. With massive doses of prednisone I was better for the next 4 months while the effects were diminishing. It triggered rheumatoid arthritis for which I still take medication (methotrexate) but I haven't experienced noticeable effects in about a year.

The moral of the story is this: Mosquitos are more than just a nuisance and they seem to flourish in many of the places where sailors like to be. So using an insect repellant with at least 15% DEET is a very smart precaution. It will protect against many mosquito-born diseases. There is also strong evidence that mosquitos are more attracted to dark colored clothing; light colored clothing with stripes or patterns is best.

P.S. I believe the brands my buddies recommend are Pusser's and Mount Gay.

[bustermaw]

Originally Posted by Lizzy Belle

Can you please send me one to get on with (preferably on Candy Crush)?

Absolutely , Lizzy Belle , I am , however , having a problem knowing what Candy crush is.
I also want you to know that I mean no disrespect to you and that I sometimes allow my mouth to get myself into trouble when presented with alarmist bollocks by other parties.
PEACE !

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sea

Chikungunya is not as bad as dengue but worse than zika. The symptoms are the same as dengue which made diagnosis more difficult. The extent of the effects seems to vary significantly in different people. I was weak, feverish, and bent over (chikungunya is an African word that means "contorted") for a couple of weeks. With massive doses of prednisone I was better for the next 4 months while the effects were diminishing. It triggered rheumatoid arthritis for which I still take medication (methotrexate) but I haven't experienced noticeable effects in about a year.

The moral of the story is this: Mosquitos are more than just a nuisance and they seem to flourish in many of the places where sailors like to be. So using an insect repellant with at least 15% DEET is a very smart precaution. It will protect against many mosquito-born diseases. There is also strong evidence that mosquitos are more attracted to dark colored clothing; light colored clothing with stripes or patterns is best.

P.S. I believe the brands my buddies recommend are Pusser's and Mount Gay.

Damn! Thanks for that.. It puts it into perspective for me. I didn't realize it was that bad!

Done.. Vodka for the trots and Pusser's + Mount Gay (I added them together to be thorough) for protection against mosquitoes. Just to be on the safe side, I think I will make DEET my new best friend.

[Dr. Sea]

Originally Posted by travellerw

Damn! Thanks for that.. It puts it into perspective for me. I didn't realize it was that bad!

Done.. Vodka for the trots and Pusser's + Mount Gay (I added them together to be thorough) for protection against mosquitoes. Just to be on the safe side, I think I will make DEET my new best friend.

Don't forget to wear your Hawaiian shirts!

[Symphony]

Originally Posted by GoingWalkabout

Anyone sailing USA, Caribbean, Central America and Pacific Islands should seriously be investing in mosquito covers for use on all entry ways from dusk till morning. Long sleeves and long pants with anti mosquito spray (they are toxic) in remaining exposed areas. Other anti winged pest strategies can be using blue light zappers and or citronella lamps for your back of boat sundowners.

Those lucky enough to have catamarans are able to use zippered mosquito enclosures around their cockpits. Great for inviting others not so lucky to have such a comfortable protected area at the marina over for drinks. Just a thought.

Here is a device that seems interesting.

Alpha Mosquito Trap (PRO 900) | Mega-Catchâ„¢ Mosquito Traps

hi WalkAbout.
where would you place a megacatch trap on a boat?

[JPA Cate]

It's really a pity this thread started off with an argument. The desire to win arguments is strong, but it can lead to really distasteful behavior.

Speaking only for myself, I am glad to have the takeaway from the discussion the fact that we can defend against this disease by normal mosquito prophylaxis. It has moved aegyptii up on my must kill when seen list, too. Just like I'm deadly to the Ross River Fever ones. That part is sport.

If anyone here is interested in learning more about mosquito prophylaxis than already given above, s/he can join IAMAT (International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers) for a small donation, and receive enough educational material to keep you from being bitten, which is the name of the game.

Ann

[bustermaw]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

It's really a pity this thread started off with an argument. The desire to win arguments is strong, but it can lead to really distasteful behavior.

Speaking only for myself, I am glad to have the takeaway from the discussion the fact that we can defend against this disease by normal mosquito prophylaxis. It has moved aegyptii up on my must kill when seen list, too. Just like I'm deadly to the Ross River Fever ones. That part is sport.

If anyone here is interested in learning more about mosquito prophylaxis than already given above, s/he can join IAMAT (International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers) for a small donation, and receive enough educational material to keep you from being bitten, which is the name of the game.

Ann

For a small donation eh! Enough said !

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

It has moved aegyptii up on my must kill when seen list, too. Just like I'm deadly to the Ross River Fever ones. That part is sport.

Ann

Ann, I think its the same buzzard

Aedes aegypti - yellow fever mosquito
Bites man, carries chikungunya, dengue fever, heartworm, Murray Valley encephalitis, Ross River virus, West Nile virus, Yellow Fever

[GoingWalkabout]

Originally Posted by Symphony

hi WalkAbout.
where would you place a megacatch trap on a boat?

I would think either in the dock or if on a ball close to your bow. I really don't know but if I was in a high mosquito environment I would consider experimenting with one. The entry level model isn't that expensive

[GoingWalkabout]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sea

Chikungunya is not as bad as dengue but worse than zika. The symptoms are the same as dengue which made diagnosis more difficult. The extent of the effects seems to vary significantly in different people. I was weak, feverish, and bent over (chikungunya is an African word that means "contorted") for a couple of weeks. With massive doses of prednisone I was better for the next 4 months while the effects were diminishing. It triggered rheumatoid arthritis for which I still take medication (methotrexate) but I haven't experienced noticeable effects in about a year.

The moral of the story is this: Mosquitos are more than just a nuisance and they seem to flourish in many of the places where sailors like to be. So using an insect repellant with at least 15% DEET is a very smart precaution. It will protect against many mosquito-born diseases. There is also strong evidence that mosquitos are more attracted to dark colored clothing; light colored clothing with stripes or patterns is best.

P.S. I believe the brands my buddies recommend are Pusser's and Mount Gay.

Hi Dr Sea.

Thank you for sharing your first hand experience. It sounds terrible. Just a thought regarding high dose long term use of prednisone. I was in 50mg a day for over a year following an almost fatal dose of bacterial pneumonia. This medication is great for keeping you alive but has awful side effects. It has taken me over 2 years to get myself off if it. Everytime I tapered diwn dosage and then went off the prednisone I would suffer muscle aches throughout my body and nearly every joint had an arthritic response. Now finally I have been off it for 3 months and no muscle pain and only issue is swelling in my left hand fingers. Worse in the morning where I'm unable to make a fist. I've been taking cinnamon in capsule form daily and now I'm finding that the hand swelling is getting less. For a long long time I thought I would never be able to lead an active life and certainly not be able to handle the ropes on a sailboat. At long last I can now see myself being able to beat this.



Regards,
Chaya

[Symphony]

Originally Posted by GoingWalkabout

I would think either in the dock or if on a ball close to your bow. I really don't know but if I was in a high mosquito environment I would consider experimenting with one. The entry level model isn't that expensive

Yes, that is true, so it is reasonable to test it.

I just read some more on these devices and the implementation plan is for them to run during feeding times of the mozzies, and to run long enough (days, weeks) to break the breeding cycle by killing a critical amount of female mozzies. the cycle will be restarted by the next rain. also, placement is suggested to be far from humans as possible, intercepting the path from the insect breeding environment to the humans.

they also need CO2 cylinder.

S0-- such a trap might not be effective for a yacht unless you were in a spot for a long time and in a dry climate.

[GoingWalkabout]

Originally Posted by Symphony

Yes, that is true, so it is reasonable to test it.

I just read some more on these devices and the implementation plan is for them to run during feeding times of the mozzies, and to run long enough (days, weeks) to break the breeding cycle by killing a critical amount of female mozzies. the cycle will be restarted by the next rain. also, placement is suggested to be far from humans as possible, intercepting the path from the insect breeding environment to the humans.

they also need CO2 cylinder.

S0-- such a trap might not be effective for a yacht unless you were in a spot for a long time and in a dry climate.

I think it looks like the entry level model uses attracting strips.