Medication - GCA recommends Chlorquine for those desiring to take antimalaria medication. Usually those taking Chloroquine experience no side effects. You will need to schedule an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic at least one month prior to your date of travel in order to receive the medication in enough time for proper dosage. The normal regimen for Chloroquine is usually to take one pill (500 mg) once a week for 2 weeks before travel, one pill a week while in Haiti and one pill a week for 4 weeks after return from Haiti.

Chloroquine works by attacking the parasites once they have entered the red blood cells. It kills the parasites and prevents them from multiplying further. It is not fully understood how chloroquine kills the parasites, but it is thought to work by blocking the action of a chemical that the parasites produce to protect themselves once inside the red blood cells

Avoid Mosquito Bites - Measures to avoid mosquito bites should always be taken but you should take the most precautions at twilight and at night. Long trousers, long-sleeved clothing and socks thick enough to stop the mosquitoes biting will also protect you, and should be worn outside after sunset. Light colors are less attractive to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are not a big problem in the Mirebalais area but it only takes one infected mosquito to cause malaria.

Mosquito repellent containing diethyl toluamide (DEET) is recommended as the most effective form of bite-preventive treatment. There will always be people who dislike DEET, and for them there are other products – such as non-DEET Jungle Formual, Bayrepel or Mosiguard (made from eucalyptus oil). Insect repellents containing over 30 to 50 per cent DEET will effectively repel mosquitoes when applied to exposed skin.

The GCA Guest House property is sprayed regularly for mosquitoes. The Guest House is properly screened and air-conditioned which provides a safe environment for our guests. Please keep doors leading to the outside closed and report any torn window screens to GCA staff.

These precautions will also help in the prevention of “Dengue Fever.” Dengue Fever is an illness that is also contracted by an infected mosquito, which in most cases is not life-threatening. Since there is no medical prevention against Dengue Fever, prevention depends on control of and protection from the bites of the mosquito that transmits it.