Malaria advisory: Includes SA risk areas

[Stan Weakley]

Fortunately the areas most of us visit only have Falcipian Malaria and not Vivax and Ovale. Without being too technical, our type of malaria does not have a dormant liver phase, like the others and thus prophylaxis does not promote any dormancy.

[barman1965]

Definately with Stan on this one! Prophylaxis is around 95% effective, the other 5% is where the masking myth comes in. The meds have worked up till a point but not completely, delaying symtoms, but it it buys you time which is what you need to survive. Me I'll take my chances with the 95 %. It's your choice of course but making sure your kids take them should not be negotiable.

[Regard]

http://www.malariasite.com/

Ben, there is currently a bit of a split in the medical freternity about the use of prophylaxis in Malaria. You will get your camp that will try and prove with all their might that it impedes early detection and the other group will oppose this eagerly.

It is one of those fields in medicine where every article you read on it will have oposing conclusions.

No matter what my point of view is, I will always tell my patients that the best medical advice will be to take prophylaxis but the final decision will still be the patients'. I also believe that education saves lives, thus, I will always aim to educate patients on symptoms and signs and treatment.

The best prophylaxis will be to nether enter such an area. If that is not possible then stay inside during dusk and dawn, wear long clothing, apply plenty insect repellent, drink your prophylaxis, etc, etc...

But Stan is correct. There has never, to my knowledge, been a study to prove that prophylaxis obscures diagnosis. As stated it may only be difficult to prove if the blood sample was not collected during a period of fever. Also as mentioned, if there is any reason to believe this might be malaria you should never trust a single negative test!

[bvandyk]

Seems like it's similar to the Land Rover vs Toyota argument

[Regard]

Seems like it's similar to the Land Rover vs Toyota argument

Oh yes!

And not only this one, there are so many in medicine! That is why you might hear opposing advice from 2 different docs. Both might be right but usualy one is the "fashionable" answer.

[Tubby]

Hi Stan

Thanks for the info.

I'm going to Morrungulo in June. My youngest son (4) had disreption of the vains in Nov 2011. Almost lost him but by the grace of God he's doing very well. He can walk, talk etc. Right arm and leg a bit slow.

Doctors had to remove most of his cerebellum to save his live. Only 2/10 left after surgery.

What will the influence of malaria be on him should he contract the disease?

[Stan Weakley]

Tubby, sorry to hear of your son's illness. At 4 years of age he should be of sufficient weight to take Melanil and this is what I would possibly consider. I am unaware of the medical condition " disreption of the vains ". Even if this is meant to be disruption of the veins, I cannot tie this up with cerebellar disease. Allow me to suggest that you see your family GP, I am sure he has or can access all your son's medical reports. Is he now on any other medication and is he at risk for epilepsy as is often the case after brain surgery? If so certain of the malaria prophylactics would be unsuitable.

Whatever his medical background, malaria prophylaxis is advisable for everyone in Moz. at any time of the year. This forum or the internet is not suitable for detailed medical decisions, so consult your doctor personally.

[Reins]

Stan

What are your opinion on Doxytet for the prevetion of malaria. It is very affordable

[Stan Weakley]

Reins, I have summarised malaria in this sticky, look under Doxycycline, the same as Doxytet. http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/...ad.php?t=87950

Once again I would advise against using the internet for making individual medical decisions. It cannot be considered a substitute for a personal medical consultation. You need a doctor's prescription in any case.