Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mosquito-borne illnesses
Malaria
, caused by the plasmodium parasite, is rife in much of Laos.
Symptoms
include
chills, a high fever and then sweats, during which the fever falls; the cycle repeats every
couple of days. These symptoms aren't so different from those of flu, making diagnosis dif-
ficult without a blood test; if you think you've contracted malaria, check into a Thai hospital
immediately.
Vientiane is said to be malaria-free, but visitors to other parts of Laos should take all pos-
sible precautions to avoid contracting this sometimes fatal disease. Night-feeding mosquitoes
are the carriers, so take extra care in the evening, particularly at dawn and dusk. High-strength
mosquito
repellent
that contains the chemical compound DEET is a necessity, although bear
in mind that prolonged use may be harmful. A natural alternative is citronella oil, found in
some repellents. Wearing trousers, long-sleeved shirts and socks gives added protection.
If you plan on travelling in remote areas, bring a
mosquito net
. Most guesthouses provide
nets but some of these have holes; gather up the offending section of net and twist a rubber
band around it. Many hotels have replaced nets with screened-in windows, which is fine if
the room door remains shut at all times, but doors are usually left wide open when maids are
tidying up the rooms between guests. If you can't get hold of a mosquito net, try pyrethrum
coils
which can be found in most markets and general stores in Laos.
For added insurance against malaria, it's advisable to take
antimalarial tablets
. Though
doxycycline
,
atovaquone/proguanil
(commonly referred to by its trade name
Malarone
)
and
mefloquine
are the most commonly prescribed antimalarials for Laos, the plasmodium
parasites are showing resistance to the last drug. While none of the antimalarials guarantees
that you will not contract malaria, the risks will be greatly reduced. Note that some antimal-
arials can have unpleasant side effects. Mefloquine in particular can sometimes cause dizzi-
ness, extreme fatigue, nausea and nightmares. Pregnant or lactating women are advised not
to take mefloquine.
Day-feeding mosquitoes are the carriers of
dengue fever
. The disease is common in urban
as well as rural areas, and outbreaks occur annually during the rainy season. The symptoms
are similar to malaria and include fever, chills, aching joints and a red rash that spreads from
the torso to the limbs and face. Dengue can be fatal in small children. There is no preventative
vaccination or prophylactic. As with malaria, travellers should use insect repellent, keep skin
covered with loose-fitting clothing and wear socks. There is no specific treatment for dengue
other than rest, lots of liquids and paracetamol for pain and fever. Aspirin should be avoided
as it can aggravate the proneness to internal bleeding which dengue sometimes produces.
