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Ask The Travel Doctor-TMVC

Q: I am travelling to West Timor for 2 weeks with my 5 month old in July. My GP did not recommend for either of us to take malaria medication since I am still breast-feeding. After reading up on the internet it looks like we should take malaria preventative medication? Are there any other medications we should be taking in case of gastro or is the baby too young? I am concerned we were not told to take any preparations aside from me getting my usual vaccinations for Indonesia.

Lisa

 

A:  You are quite right to be concerned, because malaria is a significant issue in West Timor, including the outskirts of the capital Kupang, and especially in the rural areas. Gastro-intestinal disease is also very common. To help prevent gastro-intestinal disease, great care should be taken with food selection, you need to do frequent handwashing and local water should be avoided unless boiled or treated. Your baby should have completed the rotavirus vaccines (3 doses), and you should be immunised against hepatitis-A and typhoid, both OK while breast-feeding.

Malaria risk is managed by the use of repellents, permethrin-impregnated bed nets, especially for the baby, as well as a suitable anti-malarial drug. These can be given to babies, and the choice of drug will depend on yours and babies other medical history, as it is specific to individuals. Malaria is serious and dangerous, particularly in the very young, and a consultation at a Travel Doctor-TMVC is going to be very important.

Dr Tony

 

Disclaimer: Information provided in this health column is of a general nature & should not replace specific advice from your own personal Travel doctor-TMVC consultation.
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