travelling to egypt - malaria prevention ?

[gryphon]

going to egypt in 4 weeks and heard that it is best to take anti-malaria drugs . some people i know never bothered , but i would rather be safe than sorry ! . do i need to consult my doctor or would the local pharmacy be able to advise me ?

 

[FS Man]

Well you need to consult with your doctor, but to be honest I moved to egypt and lived there for 4 years I never had any problem with malaria, instead what you might need to worry about it the political instability that seems to be hitting there these days, so consult with your travel company and not the doctors

 

[RICHARD X]

You do not need to bother with anti malaria medication in Egypt. I have been several times - no problem.
If you do take them, insist on Malarone, you take these for the minimal of time and just one a day. Your GP will have to perscribe.

 

[Bronwen]

You actually don't need to take anti-malarials unless you plan to go to El-Fayoum, which is an oasis in the Sahara somewhat west of Cairo, and a bit further south. If you plan to go to upper Egypt (the southern part), like Luxor and Aswan, you can get away with simply taking an insect repellant spray and using it if the mosquitos are out and really bothersome.

El-Fayoum is the only place in Egypt where malaria-carrying mosquitos are a problem. I know that for a fact, since my husband and I went last fall, and we went to our local county travel clinic for our vaccinations, and the nurse told us we WOULD NOT need anti-malaria medicine if we didn't go to El-Fayoum.

I am actually going back to Egypt--leaving in less than two weeks. The trip in the fall was so my husband could see it, and we did all the touristy stuff. This time, I don't plan on moving around so much, and will just be staying in Cairo at my father's villa for the most part.

If you are going in 4 weeks, you still have time to get your travel vaccinations if you haven't gotten them already. They recommend a tetanus/diptheria booster if you haven't had one in the last five years, a Hepatitis A unless you are immune from having had it (I had it as a kid, and am immune, my husband had to have the shot), a Hepatitis B (that's a 3-part series, and you won't be able to get all three parts because they must be spaced out by at least one month--you can get 33% immunity from one shot, and if you hurry, you can probably get two of them in before you go), and a Typhoid vaccine. Most doctors do not stock those vaccines unless you live in a place where those illnesses are constantly present, so you will need to go to a travel clinic or health department to get them. They will probably also give you antibiotics to take if you should have traveler's diarrhea.

Also, be aware that you need to only drink sealed bottled water, or water which has been boiled at full boil for three minutes. There's bottled water all over the place there, so you shouldn't have a problem, but you also need to keep in mind that you have to use bottled water to rinse your mouth when you clean your teeth, and that you cannot swallow water when you shower or bathe. There's plenty of sealed beverages (everyone has either Coke or Pepsi available, and it always comes to you sealed), including sodas and water.

So don't worry about the malaria stuff unless you plan to go to El-Fayoum, as that's the only place it's found in Egypt. And just take some bug repellent for the nights when the bugs are bothersome.

Have fun--it's really a marvelous place. It's dirty, crowded and noisy, but very much worth seeing, and the Egyptian people are absolutely wonderful--very warm and inviting.

 

[CharlotteP]

you don't need to worry about malaria in egypt. i have been three times and i have never needed anything. the only bugs that i have ever seen there are flies, a few hover flies/bees (which dont sting) and the odd mosquito or two (which don't carry malaria). if you are still worried you could go to your GP. good luck and have fun.

 

[Mother ov 3]

There is no Malaria in Egypt dude never heard some one had it we don't have jungles here, you are welcome we don't have that severe disease yet but enjoy your stay its nice and beautiful crowded country you will love it so much.

 

[murphywingedspur]

Just pop into your local pharmacy. they recieve regular updates about problematic malaria regions, and the most suitable form of malaria treatment for that particular area.

 

[ÏŽilloÏŽ]

Go see the surgery nurse, I went last year and didn't have any anti malaria medication, I don't think its necessary for Egypt, I had typhoid and tetanus/diphtheria injections. Have fun when you go x