Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mild to fatal disease. Diagnosis is through blood tests and it is easily treated with Doxy-
cycline.
MALARIA
Malaria is not common but is present in Borneo, particularly in parts of Kalimantan.
Brunei is malaria free; in Sabah and Sarawak, the disease is absent from coastal areas and
only occasionally found in or around remote lumber camps. One reason for the relative
rarity of malaria is the relatively low mosquito population in much of Borneo - thanks in
part to the island's millions of cave-dwelling, insectivorous bats. Get up-to-date informa-
tion on infected areas before your trip and as soon as you arrive in the country.
In areas with minimal to no risk of malaria, the potential side effects from antimalarial
tablets may outweigh the risk of getting the disease. For some rural and upland areas,
however, the risk of contracting the disease outweighs any tablet side effects. Remember
that malaria can be fatal. Before you travel, seek medical advice on the right medication
and dosage for you.
Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
The most important symptom is fever, but general symptoms such as headache, diarrhoea,
cough or chills may also occur. Diagnosis can be made only by taking a blood sample.
Two strategies should be combined to prevent malaria: mosquito avoidance and antim-
alarial medications. Most people who catch malaria are taking inadequate or no medica-
tion. Travellers in malarial areas are advised to prevent mosquito bites by taking these
steps:
» Use a DEET-containing insect repellent on exposed skin. Wash this off at night (if
you're sleeping under a mosquito net treated with permethrin). Natural repellents such as
citronella can be effective but must be applied more frequently than products containing
DEET.
» Choose accommodation with screens and fans (if not air-con).
» Sleep under a permethrin-impregnated mosquito net.
» Wear long sleeves and trousers in light colours.
» Impregnate clothing with permethrin (in high-risk areas).
» Use mosquito coils.
RABIES
Rabies is present in Kalimantan but much less common in Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei.
This fatal disease is spread by the bite or lick of an infected animal, most commonly a dog
or monkey. Seek medical advice
immediately
after any animal bite.
