Iberostar Punta Cana- Malaria Risk?

louise_thumper · #1 03-20-2007, 07:44 AM

I have never been to DR before but have just booked with my boyfriend to go mid july for 2 weeks to the above hotel.

I am terrified of gettin malaria as mosquitos LOVE me!...but i am so excited about going away so couldnt let it put me off going!

anyone able to put my mind at ease?.... prefention/tablets etc?
is it common in july?...any goosdplug in things for bedroom?
also, anyone stayed at this hotel? i have spent HOURS reading reviews but have decided to join a forum as i have so many questions...

any help at all would be much appreciated,

Thanks

hjocelyn · #2 03-22-2007, 10:33 PM

Hi,
I have similar problems with mosquitoes, but I actually moved here...and have had no 'Malaria' problems.
I would suggest wearing long pants in the evening after abt 6pm- they seem (to me) to be all out to dinner!

Redtop · #3 03-23-2007, 04:45 PM

I am going for the first time as well. I am a fair skinned redhead that mosquitos love. I am just as nervous as you!

Hlywud · #4 03-23-2007, 05:18 PM

see you physician for advice.

While chloroquine is the malaria drug of choice for the Dominican Republic, atovaquone / proguanil ,doxycycline and mefloquine are as effective as chloroquine and readily available.

The malaria alert has not been updated since January 26, 2007.
Most resorts have an effective spray program, amd use of repellant with DEET is also recommended.

Reports of Malaria in the Dominican Republic: Travel Health Advisory: Travel Medicine Program, Public Health Agency of Canada

Redtop · #5 03-23-2007, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hlywud

see you physician for advice.

While chloroquine is the malaria drug of choice for the Dominican Republic, atovaquone / proguanil ,doxycycline and mefloquine are as effective as chloroquine and readily available.

The malaria alert has not been updated since January 26, 2007.
Most resorts have an effective spray program, amd use of repellant with DEET is also recommended.

Reports of Malaria in the Dominican Republic: Travel Health Advisory: Travel Medicine Program, Public Health Agency of Canada

Good to hear that most resorts spray! I never travel without my DEET! I definitely will take it up with my Doctor. Thanks for your post!

mattm · #6 04-02-2007, 01:50 PM

When I first went, I got on the cloroquine and it gave me an upset stomach...now I just risk it and, as people say, cover up if I am somewhere that hasn't been sprayed. I followed the same strategy in India and I'm still here to talk about it :-)

Freemo · #7 04-03-2007, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattm

When I first went, I got on the cloroquine and it gave me an upset stomach...now I just risk it and, as people say, cover up if I am somewhere that hasn't been sprayed. I followed the same strategy in India and I'm still here to talk about it :-)

Sorry but an upset stomach for a few days beats Malaria any day.

You're still here because you've beaten the odds, 'so far'

By taking something at least you are reducing those odds.

Just my opinion for what it's worth.

mattm · #8 04-03-2007, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freemo

Sorry but an upset stomach for a few days beats Malaria any day.

You're still here because you've beaten the odds, 'so far'

By taking something at least you are reducing those odds.

Just my opinion for what it's worth.

Is there really that much of a risk? What percentage of tourists do you think actually go on a malaria prescription, and what percentage get malaria?

2LeftFeet · #9 04-03-2007, 09:58 AM

Well, I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination but I wouldn't take the pills. It's easily "cured" if you contract it. I hate taking anti-malaria pills. I have taken them numerous times when I've travelled to Africa and Asia. I think that they are a hassle.

Wacky dreams, upset stomach, you have to take them the same time every week/day. One pill you have to stay out of the sun. You have to eat with them. One pill you take for 8 weeks. The list goes on. It depends on which of the 3 three pills you take. You can't drink ALCOHOL if I remember correctly with one of them too.

For the DR I'd pass-- Africa, or Asia-- OK.

But only you can make that decision.

Amy S · #10 04-03-2007, 03:39 PM

I've been to Punta Cana three times and will be returning for my fourth in 3 weeks. I did a lot of reading before my first trip and was also worried about malaria and whether or not I should take preventative meds. One thing I read was that the after effects from the medication CAN be worse than the disease itself. If you're staying at an All-Inclusive and not going off the resort much, you're not at high risk for contracting malaria. They do a good job of spraying for insects because they want to keep the tourists comfortable.

I agree with others that if you're going to be out after dark or going into the countryside during the day that you're going to want to use a powerful insect repellent with DEET.

Enjoy your trip!

Quote:

Originally Posted by louise_thumper

I have never been to DR before but have just booked with my boyfriend to go mid july for 2 weeks to the above hotel.

I am terrified of gettin malaria as mosquitos LOVE me!...but i am so excited about going away so couldnt let it put me off going!

anyone able to put my mind at ease?.... prefention/tablets etc?
is it common in july?...any goosdplug in things for bedroom?
also, anyone stayed at this hotel? i have spent HOURS reading reviews but have decided to join a forum as i have so many questions...

any help at all would be much appreciated,

Thanks