Kerala & mossies
Hi allwanted to check how bad are the mosquitoes in Kerala. Are the amounts much more than in Europe? Do the backwaters suffer even more?
Asking this while trying to assess the malaria risk. Was checking British health sites that suggest that there is low malaria risk in Kerala, but US CDC suggests all of India is a risk.
I don;t particularly want to take the drugs and rather try to prevent the bites but this would be difficult if the amounts of the mossies are too big
Any suggestions?
1
Mossies are a problem in India, normally-healthy, fit adults will get thru malaria as it is well understood and treatable. I speak as one who has had it twice - many years back taking Paludrene as the prophylaxis.A more serious concern is dengue as it is not treatable and is transmitted by a diurnal mossie.
The answer to this is therefore prevention, probably the best form is a DEET spray, the most popular one in the UK is Jungle Formula, - tropical - available from most chemists but also Boots at the major airports.
A spray can lasts about 3 man-weeks.
I did find the mossies a nuisance at night on the backwaters.
2
Malaria risk is very low in Kerala. It was already almost eradicated there but bounced back a bit a few years ago. Check here for up-to-date stats of malaria cases: http://www.nvbdcp.gov.in/Doc/malaria-situation-august12.pdfWhen I was in Kerala in February, Kochi was the place where we got most mosquito bites. In other places there were no mozzies or to few to remember. Decide for yourself on malaria tablets but we just used mosquito repellents and an electrofumigator for our room.
4
Hi,I was in Kerela in May 2010 and in a house boat meandering along the backwaters. I had no problem with mosquitos. I did use a net at night.
I have always chosen not to take medication.
Prevention is good: light coloured clothing, long sleeves and long pants. This is modest, protects from sun, bites, and unwanted attention.
For the ankles, heath shops sell natural repellants or you can make your own with essential oils following aromatherapy guidelines.
Live each moment, go with your first gut instinct and enjoy!
5
At kerala excluding kochi ,mossies very less ,especilly in summer.If in house oprovides mossie net on sleering night dont worry.if death occured by malarian at kerla,it cought by out of state,especilly labours of out of state coming for work to kerla.No problem in this matter.Kochi city have some mossie is real,all hotels provides fumigation liquids.Have nice stay.
