The receding tsunami waves left pools of sea water. The heavy rain which was the aftermath of the earthquake has combined with this water creating an incubator for mosquitos. The brackish water is nature’s mosquito breeding ground. Malaria is endemic in the area, meaning it is a common problem. A malaria season is on the start.
The governments fearing malaria could kill 100,000 of the tsunami survivors started a rigorous malaria attack. An insecticide spraying campaign where workers go from house to house spraying the complete structure is in place. A chalk mark on the front door indicates the fumigators’ completion of work.
The survivor camps have been issued tarp with anti-malaria insecticide. Yet, there are many pools of water still standing near the camps. This the area the local governments and world health organizations fear the most death.
Many foreign travelers will not travel an area destroyed by the tsunami. Yet, there are things to remember when traveling in the country. Malaria is not a concern in large, urban areas only in the rural sections. The mosquitos bite between sunset and sunrise is to be avoided at all cost. A bednet and insect repellent is necessary in rural, tropical areas.
Rural, tropical areas on your agenda, then contact the nearest travel medicine center eight to ten weeks before departure. Four to six weeks is the proscribed period of time before departure, but who gets a non-emergency doctor appointment the same or the next day. Besides, if anti-malaria drugs are deemed necessary there is plenty of time to secure them, and start the regiment.
There is a link provided to read the World Health Organization’s malaria advisory. Please read the information.
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