Health Precautions in the Amazon/Orinoco Regions of South America
The following information has been acquired from the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Travel Medicine Clinics regarding health precautions when fishing in the Amazon/Orinoco regions of South America. This material is only presented as a guide for some of the health issues and recommendations for medications and is not meant as a substitute for medical advice. We strongly urge you to contact your personal physician or local travel medicine clinic for advice and recommendations that are tailored to your particular trip and health status.
Malaria
Malaria is caused by a protozoan that is transmitted from person to person by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. The Anopheles mosquito is active only during the evening and nighttime hours - from approximately dusk to dawn - therefore, it is highly unlikely that you could be inoculated by this mosquito during daylight fishing hours. Malaria symptoms may develop as early as six days after the first exposure to infected mosquitoes in malaria endemic areas, or as late as several months after departure from an endemic area, even though preventative medications may have been taken. The symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, muscle ache and malaise (feeling weak and run-down). These early symptoms can mimic the flue. It is important to contact your physician if these symptoms develop upon returning from an endemic area, especially if you were lax with either prophylactic medication or failure to use inset repellent. If left untreated malaria can cause anemia, kidney failure, coma and death.
The most effective method to repel the Anopheles mosquito is a multi-tiered defense. The first line of defense is to us an insect repellent on the skin. DEET, in a concentration of 30 to 50% has been proven to be very effective and safe. It is most effective when applied to the face, neck, exposed up chest, hands and ankles. It is better to apply a thin layer, with the application of additional thin layers of repellent, than to simply slosh the repellent on in large quantities. Reapply after profuse perspiration, showering or bathing. The second lie of defense consists of ones outwear. Consider lightweight, cotton long sleeve shirt or pants for protection from mosquitoes during the evening hours. The third line of defense consists of treating the clothes with a very potent inset repellent called permethrin (permanone). It is not intended for use on the skin. The outside of the clothing should be sprayed from a distance of six to eight inches. One application should last the entire day. Another line of defense is through the use of bed nets with approximately 175-2225 hoes per square inch of netting. Make sure the netting completely surrounds the cot or hammock and that no entrance routes (tears or failure of the net to touch the ground) are available. Spray the netting with permethrin long before retiring for the night. Continued defense takes the form of personal hygiene. Mosquitoes are attracted to scents and body odors. Bathe at the end of a hot fishing day, but avoid the use of scented soaps, colognes or deodorants.
Malaria Prophylaxis - Prophylactic medication works by killing the parasites that may have been introduced by the mosquito. The drug of choice is called Mefloquine, (trade name Lariam) and comes as a 250 mg pill. Lariam is a small pill, taken with a large glass of water, one week prior to entering the tropical zone. Another pill is taken the day you enter the tropical zone. The regimen is completed by taking one pill a week (on the same day you took the other four) for four more weeks. Lariam should not be taken - unless you first obtain clearance from your family physician or internist if you are currently taking one of several cardiac medications, or if you are taking seizure or epileptic medication. If you cannot take Lariam, the alternative is Doxycycline, 100 mg daily for 5 weeks, beginning the week before entering the tropical zone then once daily for five additional weeks. If you take Doxycycline, you have to be extra cautious in the sun, as tetracycline derivatives make one very sun-sensitive.
A new drug has recently been approved to both prevent and treat malaria. It offers the shortest course of prophylaxis of the three drugs used for this purpose. Malarone has shown good prophylactic efficacy for prevention of P. falciparum malaria, including those infections acquired in areas with chloroquine-resistant strains. Malarone has proven prophylactic activity in semi-immune persons (those who have had repeated malaria exposure because of living in malarious areas for extended periods). Recent data have shown Malarone's efficacy in persons without antimalarial immunity (that is, in persons who have had little or no past exposure to malaria and including persons who formerly lived in malarious countries but who now live in nonmalarious countries).The adult dosing regimen for prophylaxis with Malarone is one adult tablet daily starting 1 to 2 days before travel, taken daily during travel, and continuing daily for 7 days after leaving the malarious area.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever occurs in certain jungle locations of South America, where the virus is maintained in a cycle among forests, mosquitoes, and monkeys. In South America sporadic infections occur almost exclusively in forestry and agricultural workers who are exposed occupationally in or near forests. Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted between humans by a mosquito. General precautions to avoid mosquito bites should be followed. These include the use of insect repellent, protective clothing, and mosquito netting. Yellow fever is a very rare cause of illness in travelers, but most countries have regulations and requirements for yellow fever vaccination that must be met prior to entering the country.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
This vaccine is administered as a one single injection. It can be administered by your local health department or a travel medicine clinic at a nearby major hospital. Family physicians will not have access to this vaccine. Do not receive the vaccine if you are allergic to eggs or are pregnant. The immunization, and resultant certificate, is valid for 10 days after vaccination. You will not need a booster for 10 years.
Heptatitis A&B Vaccine
Hepatitis A transmission may occur by direct person-to-person contact, from contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested from sewage-contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables or other foods which are eaten uncooked, but which may become contaminated during handling. Recent studies have shown that many cases of travel-related hepatitis A occur in travelers with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food and beverage consumption behaviors. Depending on the particular vaccine you receive, it is typically given in two dozes, the second dose anywhere from 6-18 months after the first. Although much more difficult to contract (typically through IV drug use, sexual contact and other contacts with blood and body fluids), your local health department, travel medicine clinic or physician may advise a Hepatitis B vaccine as well.
Tetanus Booster
As a standard precaution for all fishing trips, it is recommended that you obtain a current tetanus booster shot.
Diarrhea
Traveler's diarrhea is typically caused by introducing different microbes (not necessarily harmful ones) into your intestinal tract through food and drinks. Simple cases of traveler's diarrhea can be handled by taking Imodium tablets, two capsules at the onset of diarrhea and then one capsule after each loose stool. Not to exceed 8 capsules in one day. If the diarrhea persists, and is accompanied by severe cramping, it may be advisable to obtain a prescription for Cipro (Ciprofloxin) 500 mg to take twice daily until the diarrhea stops. One preventative measure might be to start Acidophelus bacteria (the healthy kind found in yogurt) tablets. This may fortify your intestinal tract and may kill off some of the "bugs" that might cause more serious intestinal problems.
First Aid Kit
Coordinate with your fishing companions about compiling a group first aid kit for your trip in the event of cuts or other minor injury. This kit should include a topical antibacterial like betadine, sterile gauze pads, sterile gauze roll, bandaids, butterfly bandaids, ace bandages and definitely an Epi-Pen (adrenaline injector) for those allergic to bee and wasp stings or with serious allergies to various food groups.
Sunburn
Because of the intense tropical sun of the Amazon - Orinoco basin, we strongly suggest precautions to prevent excessive exposure. We recommend wearing long sleeve shirts and pants, preferably of a lightweight cotton material or one of the new fast drying materials available. A wide brimmed hat will protect the ears and neck region. Sunscreen, of at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30, should be applied early in the morning, long before perspiration occurs. It is also prudent to apply a protective lip balm as well. When sunburn does occur, we recommend applying 100% Aloe vera gel, with no additives, to the skin. Additionally, topical hydrocortisone cream will also help the tender skin of a sunburn.
All rights reserved © 2000-2008 Worldwide Angling, LLC. No part of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any mean s without permission in writing from Worldwide Angling, LLC.
Health Precautions/Amazon/Orinoco Malaria
Malaria
Malaria is caused by a protozoan that is transmitted from person to person by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. The Anopheles mosquito is active only during the evening and nighttime hours - from approximately dusk to dawn - therefore, it is highly unlikely that you could be inoculated by this mosquito during daylight fishing hours. Malaria symptoms may develop as early as six days after the first exposure to infected mosquitoes in malaria endemic areas, or as late as several months after departure from an endemic area, even though preventative medications may have been taken. The symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, muscle ache and malaise (feeling weak and run-down). These early symptoms can mimic the flue. It is important to contact your physician if these symptoms develop upon returning from an endemic area, especially if you were lax with either prophylactic medication or failure to use inset repellent. If left untreated malaria can cause anemia, kidney failure, coma and death.
The most effective method to repel the Anopheles mosquito is a multi-tiered defense. The first line of defense is to us an insect repellent on the skin. DEET, in a concentration of 30 to 50% has been proven to be very effective and safe. It is most effective when applied to the face, neck, exposed up chest, hands and ankles. It is better to apply a thin layer, with the application of additional thin layers of repellent, than to simply slosh the repellent on in large quantities. Reapply after profuse perspiration, showering or bathing. The second lie of defense consists of ones outwear. Consider lightweight, cotton long sleeve shirt or pants for protection from mosquitoes during the evening hours. The third line of defense consists of treating the clothes with a very potent inset repellent called permethrin (permanone). It is not intended for use on the skin. The outside of the clothing should be sprayed from a distance of six to eight inches. One application should last the entire day. Another line of defense is through the use of bed nets with approximately 175-2225 hoes per square inch of netting. Make sure the netting completely surrounds the cot or hammock and that no entrance routes (tears or failure of the net to touch the ground) are available. Spray the netting with permethrin long before retiring for the night. Continued defense takes the form of personal hygiene. Mosquitoes are attracted to scents and body odors. Bathe at the end of a hot fishing day, but avoid the use of scented soaps, colognes or deodorants.
Malaria Prophylaxis - Prophylactic medication works by killing the parasites that may have been introduced by the mosquito. The drug of choice is called Mefloquine, (trade name Lariam) and comes as a 250 mg pill. Lariam is a small pill, taken with a large glass of water, one week prior to entering the tropical zone. Another pill is taken the day you enter the tropical zone. The regimen is completed by taking one pill a week (on the same day you took the other four) for four more weeks. Lariam should not be taken - unless you first obtain clearance from your family physician or internist if you are currently taking one of several cardiac medications, or if you are taking seizure or epileptic medication. If you cannot take Lariam, the alternative is Doxycycline, 100 mg daily for 5 weeks, beginning the week before entering the tropical zone then once daily for five additional weeks. If you take Doxycycline, you have to be extra cautious in the sun, as tetracycline derivatives make one very sun-sensitive.
A new drug has recently been approved to both prevent and treat malaria. It offers the shortest course of prophylaxis of the three drugs used for this purpose. Malarone has shown good prophylactic efficacy for prevention of P. falciparum malaria, including those infections acquired in areas with chloroquine-resistant strains. Malarone has proven prophylactic activity in semi-immune persons (those who have had repeated malaria exposure because of living in malarious areas for extended periods). Recent data have shown Malarone's efficacy in persons without antimalarial immunity (that is, in persons who have had little or no past exposure to malaria and including persons who formerly lived in malarious countries but who now live in nonmalarious countries).The adult dosing regimen for prophylaxis with Malarone is one adult tablet daily starting 1 to 2 days before travel, taken daily during travel, and continuing daily for 7 days after leaving the malarious area.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever occurs in certain jungle locations of South America, where the virus is maintained in a cycle among forests, mosquitoes, and monkeys. In South America sporadic infections occur almost exclusively in forestry and agricultural workers who are exposed occupationally in or near forests. Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted between humans by a mosquito. General precautions to avoid mosquito bites should be followed. These include the use of insect repellent, protective clothing, and mosquito netting. Yellow fever is a very rare cause of illness in travelers, but most countries have regulations and requirements for yellow fever vaccination that must be met prior to entering the country.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
This vaccine is administered as a one single injection. It can be administered by your local health department or a travel medicine clinic at a nearby major hospital. Family physicians will not have access to this vaccine. Do not receive the vaccine if you are allergic to eggs or are pregnant. The immunization, and resultant certificate, is valid for 10 days after vaccination. You will not need a booster for 10 years.
Heptatitis A&B Vaccine
Hepatitis A transmission may occur by direct person-to-person contact, from contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested from sewage-contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables or other foods which are eaten uncooked, but which may become contaminated during handling. Recent studies have shown that many cases of travel-related hepatitis A occur in travelers with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food and beverage consumption behaviors. Depending on the particular vaccine you receive, it is typically given in two dozes, the second dose anywhere from 6-18 months after the first. Although much more difficult to contract (typically through IV drug use, sexual contact and other contacts with blood and body fluids), your local health department, travel medicine clinic or physician may advise a Hepatitis B vaccine as well.
Tetanus Booster
As a standard precaution for all fishing trips, it is recommended that you obtain a current tetanus booster shot.
Diarrhea
Traveler's diarrhea is typically caused by introducing different microbes (not necessarily harmful ones) into your intestinal tract through food and drinks. Simple cases of traveler's diarrhea can be handled by taking Imodium tablets, two capsules at the onset of diarrhea and then one capsule after each loose stool. Not to exceed 8 capsules in one day. If the diarrhea persists, and is accompanied by severe cramping, it may be advisable to obtain a prescription for Cipro (Ciprofloxin) 500 mg to take twice daily until the diarrhea stops. One preventative measure might be to start Acidophelus bacteria (the healthy kind found in yogurt) tablets. This may fortify your intestinal tract and may kill off some of the "bugs" that might cause more serious intestinal problems.
First Aid Kit
Coordinate with your fishing companions about compiling a group first aid kit for your trip in the event of cuts or other minor injury. This kit should include a topical antibacterial like betadine, sterile gauze pads, sterile gauze roll, bandaids, butterfly bandaids, ace bandages and definitely an Epi-Pen (adrenaline injector) for those allergic to bee and wasp stings or with serious allergies to various food groups.
Sunburn
Because of the intense tropical sun of the Amazon - Orinoco basin, we strongly suggest precautions to prevent excessive exposure. We recommend wearing long sleeve shirts and pants, preferably of a lightweight cotton material or one of the new fast drying materials available. A wide brimmed hat will protect the ears and neck region. Sunscreen, of at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30, should be applied early in the morning, long before perspiration occurs. It is also prudent to apply a protective lip balm as well. When sunburn does occur, we recommend applying 100% Aloe vera gel, with no additives, to the skin. Additionally, topical hydrocortisone cream will also help the tender skin of a sunburn.
All rights reserved © 2000-2008 Worldwide Angling, LLC. No part of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any mean s without permission in writing from Worldwide Angling, LLC.
Health Precautions/Amazon/Orinoco Malaria
