two of my family members will soon be traveling down to the Southern Mexico border (right next to Guatemala). They will be outside a lot while they are there, and long sleeves and pants really aren't an option because they are running a surfing camp for an orphanage. I just thought to check the travel advisories on the CDC website and it says malaria is endemic there as well as other fun mosquito borne illnesses. So they need to get some sort of mosquito repellant. Any ideas? Especially ones that are a little safer than pure chemical cocktails? Like something I could buy at Henry's or Whole Foods that actually works?
Also, how about typhoid????? I heard that is common there too? What to do precaution wise about that? Too late for immunizations...
And diarrhea? Anything you would bring besides antidiarrheals? Any probiotics that you strongly recommend that don't have to be refrigerated?
Any advice appreciated! I am trusting God to keep them well, but also want to do my part to send them prepared, thanks!
Just got back from Mexico last week. Definitely need bug spray. We bought an "all-natural" kind while we were there, but I can't say it worked very well. We all got tons of bites, but perhaps they sell something better in the States. Also, you will need anti-diarrhea meds. Three out of six of us traveling became sick, and we were staying at a resort.
Good Luck!
In a place like that, you really do need to go with full chemicals versus trying to use something "natural". I say this because "safer" in this situation means you don't get a disease because you use chemicals to avoid the disease. I have been to south america and africa too. Malaria pills prescribed by doctor are a must. 100% DEET (available in the camping aisle) is a must. if the camp doesn't provide mosquito nets for sleeping you may want to pack them. They may not be necessary - it really depends on how bad the mosquitos are. Finally, for diarrhea, your DR should prescribe some antibiotics in case it gets really bad. I always take a zpac with me. However, the best thing is to prevent the diarheaa which means to only drink and brush teeth with bottled water, do not eat raw fruits or veggies AND I take a pepto chewable before every meal. It really helps keep the stomach on an even keel. I don't know about typhoid. Hope they have fun!
I heard somewhere that if you eat ginger the mosquitoes wont bother you. Try something that is more natural. I think that might work. Also try something that you wear rather than spray something on you like a fan. I've seen the commercials for it and not sure what the name is.
I actually lived in this area for about 3 years and unless they are in the jungle the mosquitos should not be so bad and I rarely heard of anyone getting malaria. But they should protect themselves as Dengue Fever is very prevelant in this region and comes from mosquitos. We used OFF Family Care and it worked well and we had no bites when we applied it. The natural stuff really didn't work well. I've never heard of typhoid in the area. Just make sure they don't drink tap water even drinks with ice in it can be a problem. Make sure their food is cooked all the way through. As long as they are vigilant they will be fine. Hope they have fun.
I would get MMS-Miracle Mineral Supplement (can purchase online, & research will show why I suggest this. I use it regularly now, about 3 months ago I got salmonella poising, I was so sick! My friend reminded me of MMS & it's properties, needless to say I took it & immediately stopped it in it's tracks. A good natural mosquito repellent is vanilla extract in a spray bottle, only draw back is it has to be used every couple of hours.
I've traveled to central and south america extensively. Chemical cocktails are necessary if want to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes, but when in and at the ocean bugs shouldn't be a problem at all. In looking for a bug repellent, search for the ingredient DEET. The more DEET, the better. I would recommend bringing light weight long pants and long sleeved shirts for evenings or other times they are not in the water.
Whenever I travel to these parts, I also always take anti-diarrea, anti-nausea, and anti-biotics. I've rarely had to use them, but when I did, I was so glad I had them nearby.
And like another poster said, make sure they are diligent in watching what they eat. No raw fruit or veggie with the peel, no fresh salads, and no ice. I also tend to stay away from any meat that's not chicken. Drink PLENTLY of water and limit sodas and candy.
I hope they have a lot of fun!
