Before travelling | During your journey
Health
Before going to Madagascar you should
check with your doctor. Malaria is a risk throughout the year and is
highest on the coast; resistance to chloroquine is reported. Malarial
mosquitos are most active at dusk and daybreak so cover up and use
repellent at those times. Bring a mosquito net for protection as you
sleep and an effective repellent. Your doctor will probably advise you
to take a malaria prophylaxis like Mefloquine (Larium) or Malarone.
For any stay longer than 30 days in above all for journeys into rural
areas following injections are also highly recommended:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Typhoid
- Rabies (feral/half wild dogs carry the disease in Madagascar)
- Cholera (check with your doctor)
All travellers coming from a country with yellow fever are required an inoculation against the disease.
Cases of dengue fever and chikungunya
fever have been reported in January and February 2006, and are
transmitted by mosquitoes; precautionary measures against being bitten
should be taken at all times. Other risks include bilharzia,
tuberculosis, rabies and bubonic plague; HIV/AIDS is prevalent.
Dysenteries and diarrhoeal diseases are common and precautions with
food and water should be taken. Tap water should not be drunk unless it
has been boiled or chemically treated. It is recommended that
travellers bring antibiotics and anti-diarrhoeal drugs in case of
severe diarrhoea. Medical facilities are limited, and outside of the
capital medical care may be difficult to find. Limited French
medications are available in Tana and it is advisable to bring along a
medical kit for private use. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Make sure the ice cubes in your drink are made from bottled water.
Don't drink from taps. Brush teeth with bottled water also.