The first thing I Googled when I was planning for our trip was just how prevalent malaria is in Palawan. You know how people have always feared of going there because of that deadly disease. When I told my friends we're going to Palawan, all of them warned me about the killer malaria-carrying mosquitos especially since we're tagging along a 4-year-old.
So being an ultra paranoid mom that I was, I searched the internet for answers. I Here are the things I gathered in my research about Palawan and Malaria:
WHAT IS MALARIA?
Malaria is an infectious disease of tropical countries. It is spread by mosquitoes. It is manifested by fever along with chills and rigors. Unless it is diagnosed and treated promptly, it can be fatal. A single mosquito bite may be enough to cause the infection.
In 2010, according to the World Health Organization, there were 216 million episodes of malaria and 655,000 deaths worldwide. Of these deaths around 91% were seen in the African Region, followed by the South-East Asian Region (6%), and the Eastern Mediterranean Region (3%). About 86% of deaths globally were in children.
IS THERE A VACCINE FOR MALARIA?
None.
ARE THERE ANTI-MALARIA MEDICINES WE CAN TAKE?
Yes. You can take anti-malaria pills. However, people react differently to it. The pill could have bad side effects to your liver so parents are strongly discouraged to let their kids take these pills. Also, the prophylaxis will not make you immune to malaria but will only lower the severity of the disease.
WHEN IS THE SAFEST TIME TO GO?
If you're a paranoid parent like me, it is best to go to Palawan during DRY Season (Nov-May) since malaria-carrying mosquitos are usually found during the rainy season. Not only will you be safer, you'll have peace of mind which is a requirement if you don't want to ruin your Palawan experience.
WHAT PLACES IN PALAWAN ARE MALARIA-INFESTED?
Provincial Gov. Joel T. Reyes said that although malaria was endemic in some places in Palawan, urban areas-including resorts and tourist destinations-were safe… Governor Reyes said the habitat of malaria-carrying mosquitoes was usually found in the remote barangays or villages with dense forest areas, swamps and slow-moving rivers and lakes.
Reyster Langit, Rey Langit's son contracted malaria in Rizal, Palawan, approximately 300 kilometers from the city, when they hiked eight hours into the mountains going to the Tau't Bato area.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO MAKE SURE WE WON'T GET BITTEN?
* Apply Mosquito repellent every six hours but especially during night time because that's the time Malaria-carrying mosquitoes usually bite from dusk 'til dawn.
* Stick DEET stickers to your kids' clothes (and yours, too. why not)
* Sleep in an air-conditioned room
* Bring a mosquito net if you're really that concerned
* Go to Palawan during the dry season (Nov- May)
* Don't go camping in the mountains with your kids. That's where the mosquitoes usually live.
CONCLUSION:
1. If you want a worry-free travel in Puerto Princesa, travel during the dry season (Nov- May).
2. Don't go to remote barangays especially those with dense forest areas, swamps, and slow-moving water.
3. Apply anti-mosquito lotions and follow the other safety tips above.
4. Don't take medicines. The probability of you and your kids getting side effects is much higher compared to you getting bitten by malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
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