If ANYONE hears ANYTHING about this issue, PLEASE e-mail more info to CruisingWriter@CruisersNet.net!

Subject: Malaria in the Bahamas ????
Cruising News: We heard from some friends that there has been an outbreak of Malaria the Exumas.  They are now taking some sort of drug that needs to be taken 4 weeks prior to being exposed.  I've checked all the sources I can find without being able to verify this problem.  Does anyone have any current information?  We plan to cross from Florida in the next 2 weeks and are planning to go to the Exumas and would sure hate to get there and find out we needed medication.  Thanks for you help and information. 
Larry,
s/v twmorrows

The CDC confirms that malaria is a concern in the Great Exuma Island only.    Check out their web site.
Captain Harv
S/V Camelot

I have been in the Exumas since November and this is the first anyone here has heard of this!
Regards,
Richard

Friends just arrived from a 2 week stay in Georgetown Great Exuma; and mentioned that there was NO info on the morning net at G-Town about malaria.  I suspect that the information is a result of the CDC warning based on the case in Spring of 08.  Thanks for checking…

Friends just arrived from a 2 week stay in Georgetown Great Exuma; and mentioned that there was NO info on the morning net at G-Town about malaria.  I suspect that the information is a result of the CDC warning based on the case in Spring of 08.  Thanks for checking…

Roger & Bonnie
s/v Kokomo

Hi Claiborne
Doing some internet research revealed the attached article from the Bahama Journal. The CDC is recommending advance preventative malaria treatment of chloroquine for those traveling to Great Exuma.  Doesn't sound as if the risk is great but there is some reason for concern.
Ginny Gordon, Kalista

April 17th, 2008
Malaria In Exuma
Nearly two years after a malaria scare in Exuma, health officials reported Wednesday that three cases of malaria were identified during the last month on Great Exuma.Officials said in a statement that one case was identified in a resident and the other two in visitors to the island.
"All cases have responded well to anti-malarial treatment," the statement said.
The Ministry of Health said that in close collaboration with the Department of Environmental Health Services it has continued enhanced human and vector surveillance, vector control activities including larviciding and fogging, and testing of individuals with febrile illness suggestive of malarial infection.
"Malaria is not endemic to The Bahamas but is usually imported into The Bahamas by persons traveling from endemic and highly endemic areas. Recently, there has been increased migration of persons from these highly endemic areas into localities on Great Exuma," the statement said.
Health officials reminded that malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of the female anopheles mosquito, which feeds from dusk to dawn. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, weakness and body aches.
Officials advise members of the public to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeved clothing when out at night and applying insect repellents.
Last August, the ministry advised that one case of malaria had been diagnosed in a visitor to Exuma.
In 2006, health officials reported at least 19 malaria cases in Exuma, sparking a health scare.

There were 3 or 4 cases on Great Exuma in 2006 –  but –  to the best of our knowledge, nothing at all since then.     I would say don’t worry about it at all!
Tom

Check the center for disease control and go to travel in the bahamas. You will see there is indeed malaria in the  Exumas.
Donna

Claiborne
The following link may be helpful. 
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentMalariaBahamas07.aspx

My wife and I always check with Centers for Disease Control before traveling.  The Travelers Notices link
(http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/notices.aspx) is particularly important.  I keep these bookmarked on my blackberry.
CDC has inter-governmental relationships with like agencies around the world.  The relationships with Commonwealth and former Commonwealth nations are particularly good.  Since malaria is on the upswing world-wide it gets focused attention.  While I am not saying there may not be reported cases within the Bahamas, reasonable travel health preparations should prevail.  Anyone traveling where mosquitoes and other disease vector insects are present should already be equipped with screens and appropriate insect repellents…and use them.  A "not me, not here, not now" attitude is a poor defense against anything.
Chris

I have been anchored in George Town Harbor since 20 Dec. There has not been a whisper about malaria.
In 2006 Jun and Jul  there was a brief malaria outbreak here that was imported by Haitian immigrants. Haiti is the only carribbean country with the disease. About 10 people,4 tourists and 6 locals were affected. The Bahamian Health Dept acted swiftly, The Hatitians were tested and treated and a active mosquito control program was started. I beleive there has been no further incidents.
I would suspect the rumor passed on by Capt. Larry is this incident recycled.
The best source of traveler information which is very up to date and accurate is www cdc.gov/travel/dest On checking this site I found no malaria alerts for any where in the Bahamas. It is still prudent however not to feed the mosquitos.
Bruce Stewart, MD
on the sailing cat "Hairball"

Subject: Prevention of Malaria (for Bahama etc. cruisers)
Cruising News: Malaria can be prevented by using a very cheap antibiotic:  Doxycycline
Doxycycline 100mg is taken once daily for two days before departure.
Doxycycline 100mg is taken once daily while in area and once daily for 4 weeks after leaving area.
Do not take Doxycycline with milk or antacids because they block absorption of the antibiotic.
IMPORTANT side effects:
Photosensitivity (ie. SEVERE sunburn & eye sensitivity to light) — you MUST cover up, use sun screen, and sunglasses!!!!!
Stomach upset, Diarrhea, & Vaginal Yeast — Taking probiotic supplements will help avoid these side effects.
Philip & Sharon Merlier

I was to attend a meeting at the Four Seasons in Georgetown mid February.
Hotel called in November to advise of problem and to let group out of contract.
From what I read outbreak was 1>3 cases.
FYI: spend time cruising Vanuatu which is a real malaria area.
No drugs, just drank an extra Gin & Tonic per day and all was well.
Geoffrey