Thailand in April-May/Mosquitoes

[Buzzmfrog84]

Hello. I'm coming to Thailand for the first time for 30 days at the end of April. I have a couple of questions.

I've read a lot about the issues regarding mosquito-borne diseases, mainly dengue fever and malaria...seems the first is the bigger issue. I'll be starting in Bangkok, going to some islands off of Trat, the eastern/Isan region, northeastern Isan and Chiang Mai.

I'll be taking all the precautions I can - Deet, long sleeves, maybe even get a bug zapper/racket.

With all of this in mind, is there any other advice anyone can offer? With the time of year and it being a first trip, I know it's risky but I want to take all the precautions I can. I'd rather not worry about catching a disease the whole trip but I want to be safe.

[craigt3365]

I'll move this over to the health forum, where this topic has already been discussed many times. So maybe a quick search will bring up some good info for you there.

Malaria is rare here in Thailand, but it does occur. Malaria is more common near the borders. Dengue is your main concern. And nothing you can do about that other than cover up and use bug spray. I wouldn't worry too much, just take the precautions you mention. Also, listen to other travelers as you move around. If there is an outbreak, others will know about it. It happens from time to time. Though it's not well reported in the English press.

Have a great time and don't worry to much! Topic moved.

[Sheryl]

The time of year you are coming is off-season for dengue. It is still possible to get it, but much less likely as the numbers of mosquitoes are way down owing to it being the hot dry season.

It is, however, going to be seriously HOT. Heat exhaustion/dehydration are more likely problems at that time of year than dengue or other mosquito-borne illness.

[Xircal]

I'd advise you to take plenty of DEET with you, preferably the solid kind on a stick rather than a spray. You can buy roll-on DEET in Thailand, but it's very expensive. Thais don't seem to bother much with repellents probably because of the price so it might be difficult to get hold of in remote parts of the country.

Mozzies seem to prefer areas of the body where there isn't much flesh between the skin and bones so they tend to zoom in on the ankles, backs of the knees and behind the ears. So just apply plenty of repellent to those body parts.

Although recommended by health organisations, you'll probably find the climate too hot to wear long sleeve shirts and trousers and practically nobody does.

Other than that, as long as you've had your recommended jabs, I wouldn't worry too much.