We’ve had all sorts of experiences on boats – mostly good, a few bad. In the latter category are two bouts with vector-born (i.e., mosquito) diseases – malaria and dengue fever. In the former case, this was of the Falciparum type, often deadly. In our case it hit during the last round of the rock and roll dance contest at the Port Moresby (New Guinea) Yacht Club. It was down to us, the Liggetts, and one other couple for the championship, when I (Steve) collapsed. At the time I thought Al had slipped me a “Mickey” so he could win…<\/p>\n
The next day, with classic malaria symptoms, I went to see a local doc, got a shot of Chloroquin, and was told I’d be better by the next AM. Morning comes and I’m sick as a dog. Off to the local hospital – now that was an experience. I survived and, after 10 days of confinement, went weakly on my way. But the episode left us all with a permanent dislike of mosquitos!<\/p>\n
So what do we do about malaria – assuming the desire to cruise in malaria-prone areas offsets the risks associated therewith?<\/p>\n
First there are the basic defenses: Stay off the land during dusk\/dawn periods when mosquitos are about. Wear long sleeves, socks, and pants, when ashore. Spray with bug spray (including clothing!).<\/p>\n
On board we use screens on all our hatches – we have a second set of storm covers with screened openings for each hatch. We use mosquito coils and\/or bug zappers. And finally, today we’d rig mosquito netting over our bunks – easy to do and a really good defense at night.<\/p>\n
Chemically, there are anti-malarial pills you can take for some – but not all – types of malaria. Staying on the correct regimen for the area in which you are traveling is critical.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"