Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Prevention
HIV prevalence in Madagascar is very low (0.2%, similar to Europe), so risk
to travellers is minimal, but the same precautions apply here as at home: never have unpro-
tected sex and make sure all hospital equipment is sterile.
MALARIA
Spread through
Bite of the female
Anopheles
mosquito.
Symptoms & effects
The early stages of malaria include headaches, fever, generalised
achesandpains,andmalaise,whichcouldbemistakenforflu.Othersymptomscaninclude
abdominal pain, diarrhoea and a cough. If not treated, the disease can progress to jaundice,
reduced consciousness and coma, followed by death.
Prevention
MalariaispresentthroughoutMadagascar,althoughtherisksofcontractingthe
disease are higher on the coast (particularly in the east) than in the highlands. It is recom-
mended that all travellers take prophylaxis: there is a variety of drugs available nowadays,
ranging in price, regime and secondary effects. Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone), doxy-
cycline and mefloquine (Lariam) seem to be the most commonly prescribed - discuss your
options with a medical professional. It is essential you seek medical help if you suffer from
a persistent high fever during your stay or in the six weeks afterwards, as hospital treatment
is essential.
PLAGUE
Spread through
Bite from infected fleas carried by rodents, handling infected animals (ro-
dents, rabbits and cats in particular) or inhaling droplets from coughs of infected individu-
als.
Symptoms & effects
Pneumonic plague is the most common type of plague in Madagas-
car. Sufferers will experience shortness of breath, blood-stained sputum and, in the worst
cases, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and respiratory failure.
Prevention
Plague occurs in small but regular outbreaks in remote areas of Madagascar.
There is no vaccine. Travellers are very unlikely to be affected, but as a precaution, never
handle animals and use insect sprays to avoid flea bites.
POLIOMYELITIS
Spread through
Contamin-ated food and water.
