Malaria in Bahamas

[leehaefele]

There has not been a case since July 07, is it necessary to take preventitive medicine still?

[Lynx]

No, but your choice. This does have a body reaction.

[mikereed100]

Lee,
Malaria prophylaxis, even in an endemic area, is controversial. Malaria is caused by a parasite (plasmodium sp.) passed in the saliva of mosquitos of the anopheles species. The percentage of anophelene mosquitos that carry the plasmodium parasite varies with location. Usually from 0 to 10%. So if your are just passing through your chances of becoming infected are fairly low. The CDC recommends prophylaxis but they also recommend immunization against rabies, measles, japanese encephalitis, polio etc. for many areas. I would not take preventative medication in the Bahamas or the Caribbean. That said it's good policy to avoid getting bitten in these areas due to dengue more than malaria.
Mike

[bottleinamessage]

We were told that the CDC has now removed the Malaria alert for the Exumas. Will depart Nassau in a couple days and head south.