I assume most of you have had some pre trip anxiety however my question and fear is Malaria as I caught West Nile Last year in the States and now am worried about Malaria and risk versus reward of going to Uganda in early October? I will be doing Gorrila Treks in both Rwanda and Uganda as well as Chimp trekking in Kibale. Are these ares very prone to mosquitos? I am going to take all of the recommnended medicines however the books state some folks still catch the disease? How hot is it in these areas in early October at night? The lodging has no AC and do provide bed nets? Are things usually pretty safe out there for mosquito mitigation in the mid class lodges? The though of hot nights is not pleasant as well so perhaps someone can chime in on temperatures at night? My tirp includes QEP, Tree Climbing lions, Bwindi, Volcanos-Rwanda, Kazinga Channel. My big fear is getting bit and worrying about it the entire trip? I will also be treating my clothes with that spray (Pesticide spray) prior to departure.
Knowing the symptoms of malaria is key. Prompt treatment can really make a difference. Mosquitos should not be too bad in October. Most lodges have mosquito nets. Take your pills, cover up at night, use DEET, and you should be fine.
The gorillas are in the mountains, and the nights are actually chilly! We had hot water bottles in our beds and were glad to have them.
Peace,
BB
You really are worrying too much. I lived in Uganda for 3.5 years, took anti-malarials, travelled all over and didn't get malaria.
For information about anti-malarials see #8 in the following thread:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1947024&messageID=17458097#17458097
It refers to South Africa so you should get adavice on the right drugs for Uganda. I used doxycycline on my last visit.
Most mid-range lodges will supply mosquito nets but they are so light it is easy to take one with you just in case.
....and I lived in Uganda for 8 years, NEVER took anti-malarials, travelled all over, and didnt get malaria ;)
To OP:stop worrying: if you take the (right!) pills AND apply deet, there is no way on earth you can get it. Stories of kids getting malaria might be because of resistance (not in Uganda), getting sick and throwing up their pills, not taking the pills correctly, etc....
It wont be hot. As a matter of fact, you will probably be cold at night and cuddle up.
Edited by: Smallmasterr
smallmasterr i wish i had your phenomenal luck. took malerone perfectly and contracted malaria within a week. be very very careful about the medical advice you are offering there is no way on earth you can get it - no offence intended but this is, without doubt, the most stupid thing ive ever read on this forum.
op dont panic, just take the necessary precautions (that goes for wherever you are staying) - decent pills at regular times and double if you chunder, your own net if possible, long sleeves/trousers at dusk.
the guys above are very lucky so i just want to stress to other readers that the vast majority of people that live in uganda do contract malaria and sometimes frequently.
I have visited Uganda about a dozen times now for 6 weeks at a time - I take one mefloquine (larium ) tablet a week (which I buy in a Ntungamo pharmacy) dont make too much fuss about wrapping up at night although I generallly sleep under a net - I always drink bottled water or sodas, eat local food and (so far) never had a days illness.
Malaria is wholly treatable IF you get anti-malarials quickly after getting the symptoms and confirmation with a blood test - but all short-term visitors should take anti-malarials of one sort or another
Rain - especially in the west if it comes is generally very very heavy for an hour or two then the sun comes out again. Yes cold at night quite often so HWB or bedsocks very useful.
The altitude after Mbarara means you would rarely need a fan at night & certainly not AC - yes a blanket
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