~ JULY 9 2003

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Malaria Info.
From: USA
- I'll be visiting Laos and I was wondering about the likelyhood of getting malaria.
And what is generally prescribed for this?

 

According to both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the USA's Center for Disease Control (CDC), both say that Vientiane is the only area in Laos that is considered a not-at-risk area.

WHO: "Malaria risk predominantly due to P. falciparum exists throughout the year in the whole country except in Vientiane. Chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum reported.
Recommended prophylaxis: mefloquine."

CDC: "All[areas], except no risk in city of Vientiane."

The most common prophylaxis seems to be doxycycline, mefloquine and Malarone, among a few others. Malarone (Atovaquone/proguanil) does not have a generic equivalent yet and is therefore quite expensive ($250-400, at the time of this writing). However some of the other forms of anti-malarial drugs are said to be ineffective as apparently the virus has already adapted in some areas. Doxycycline and mefloquine are still recommended for Laos though according to most sources.

On the one hand it's good to be cautious and prepared in the odd case that you do get it while in Laos. On the other hand those who live in SE Asia (and other malaria prone regions) often say that those coming from the West are perhaps a tad paranoid on this issue.

In the end it is best to be prepared and to complete some research of your own and of course contact your physician. Carrying those extra anti-malaria drugs never hurts, I'd say.

Here are some helpful links:

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/seasia.htm
http://www.who.int/ith/chapter07_01.html

Reply:

Generally speaking most people would agree that the top 4 places to visit are the following:

• Vientiane - being the capital is the primary hub for most activities, venues and services. Must see: Pha That Luang temple, Patuxai, Vat Sisaket, to name a few. Not far away are also the circus and the "Buddha Park".
• Luangprabang - a small city best known for its cultural heritage including centuries old intricately designed temples, metalworks and jewllery. Also popular are the Khoungsi Falls and the former Royal Palace tours.
• Xiengkhoung Province - One of the few popular destinations in northern Laos, specically for its ancient Plain of Jars.
• Champassak - although a small area, this city and its nearby pre-ankgorian ruins still make this place in the south a hotspot for travellers. It's particular popular among the locals during major festivals or "boon". Although the ruins are modest by comparison to those in Cambodia or Thailand, its still very lively during major celebrations.