Malaysia forum

Cameron Highlands - need anti-malarials?

LaraP

backpacker
Posts: 20

Hi,

I was just wondering whether anti-malarials are needed for the Cameron Highlands? For the most part I will be in the tourist areas but will be hoping to go on a few walks/trails if possible.

From this map I'm guessing they are not necessary for Penang, Kuala Lumpar or Melaka but can't tell if Cameron Highlands are in the red spot or not: http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-(east)/malaysia/malaysia-malaria-map/malaysia-(west)-malaria-map.aspx

I would appreciate it if someone could give me some advice as my local nurse is pretty useless!

Lara

#1 Posted: 9/8/2010 - 17:40
exacto

mahout
Posts: 1797
Located in:
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Hi Lara,

Don't be too hard on your local nurse. It is a pretty big world out there, and nobody has an answer for every little corner of it.

In any case, there are quite a few similar threads on the message board here, although I don't recall one specifically for the Cameron Highlands. Reading through them, you'll likely discover that most of the longer-term residents and travellers on the message board personally don't take anti-malarials when they are in the area. Instead, most of us take measures like using bug spray (some with, some without DEET), covering up when needed, particularly at dawn and dusk, and doing things like getting enough rest and eating well to keep our immune systems strong when travelling.

It is a personal choice, so definitely do what works best for you. But also please remember that there are worse mozzie-borne things out there than malaria, like dengue fever and such, and the only way to protect against those as far as I know is to avoid getting bit by mozzies in the first place - hence the spray, covering up, etc.

Hope that helps. Cheers.

#2 Posted: 10/8/2010 - 01:10
AbgAcid

tuk tuk driver
Posts: 156
Located in:

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It all depends on how you gonna stay the night. If you intend to stay in tent in the middle of the rainforest, then i suggest you should. Personally, it is safe to do without the anti malaria thing, if you are staying in hotels or guest house at cameron highlands. And if you are going trekking, use of insect repellant to the exposed sections of the body is good enough.

Insects spray is quite useful if you re staying in fan room, not for malaria (as malarial mosquitoes are ususlly asscociated in the forest) but for dengue borne mossies) Dengue has a higher rate of occurance than Malaria in Malaysia currently. These breed of mossies are city bred.

Enjoy your holdiays.

AA

#3 Posted: 10/8/2010 - 12:27

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Wind in your hair, flies on your teeth! Yeah, thats what trravel on motorcycle is all about.
LaraP

backpacker
Posts: 20

Hey,

Thanks for the replies and advice! Definitely will be following all the usual bite prevention protocol - wearing sensible clothing, using DEET, etc etc. Though usually I find despite taking those measures some pesky mossies will still bite me, which is all the more worrying given the increase of dengue fever. Guess all I can do is take all preventative measures and hope I'm not unlucky!

Oh and believe me, my nurse is useless generally - not just in her travel advice which I understand is not really meant to be her expertise - so I promise I'm not being too harsh on her!

Thanks again!

#4 Posted: 12/8/2010 - 00:07