Travel Health Tips: Malaria, Dengue and Tropical Travel

The greatest threat to your health in the jungle are not jaguars or caimans – you'll be lucky if you see one, but tiny organisms such as sand flies or mosquitoes that can transmit serious illnesses such as malaria or dengue fever. Consult with your doctor and get your immunizations and preventative medications if you travel to areas that are considered risky.

Keep in mind that even malaria pills are not 100% effective and nor are mosquito repellents. Cover up at dawn and dusk or whenever you go into the forest or swamps where you are likely to encounter bugs. The most effective preventative for sand flies is coconut oil – they drown in it. Use lavish applications if you are in an affected area.

Is your lodge screened? Make sure your lodge is fully screened or that mosquito nets are provided. If in doubt, bring your own mosquito net. DEET is deemed the most effective mosquito repellent, but it is also very toxic. If you use Permethrine based applications, be very careful as to how and where you use it and how you dispose of the bottle. Permethrine is highly toxic to fish and other small animals, so never dispose of it carelessly.