Health problems in the Andamans?

GEMINI

The Rough Guide says more people get ill in the Andamans. Does anyone agree? Or can elaborate?

Thanks a lot

vargoje3

I spent two weeks in the Andamans in Jan 06 and never came down with anything other than two serious ear infections. This was due to scuba diving and getting water in my ears than anything else. I have heard that Malaria is more prevalent in the Andamans and know of a friend who did contract Malaria there. I was on anti-malarials at that point so i had no problems. I was sicker on the greater continent, lost 40-50 pounds in my 5 month visit. That could be because I had no qualms about drinking local water and what not.

GEMINI

Thanks so much Vargoje3.

Sorry I didn't get back to you before, but I'd given up looking for answers, so it was great to get your reply.

You must have been really ill to lose so much weight. I could do with some of that!

Shiver me Timbers

Hi! I spent 4 weeks there a couple of years ago.

The main risk is tropical infections caused by bites from sand-flies and mozzies. Just try not to scratch your bites to bleeding, and clean your wounds thoroughly if you do - anti biotic powder is excellent in such conditions.

Really though, such risks are no big deal, the Andamans are really special, and taking a few measures as above will in no way affect your enjoyment.

Enjoy!

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Radjesh

Is this question only for foreign tourists or indian tourists as well? I was there for a full week in December with a bunch of friends and everybody was fine...

GEMINI

Thanks Connor. We'll take some anti biotic powder and we'll look out for the flies.

We go next week. Can't wait!

maurobindo

We visited Andaman in March 2008 for 2 weeks. We, a family of four (wife and two kids aged 5 and 1 year) had no problems at all but we did stick to certain basic rules.
1. We never tried non-veg items during the tour except during last two days.
2. We used bottled water.
3. We stuck to plain breakfast, lunch dinner consisting mainly of idli, bread, fruit,choclates,dry fruits,rice dal, chapati and vegetables (known to us).

Please take medicines (allopathic & homoeopathic) for headache, dysentry, vomitting, amoebiasis,cough & cold, antibiotic, pain spray, small water heater, cotton, bandage, band-aid, sunscreen lotion, antiseptic cream etc.


aurobindo

Nick-H

Yesterday I read in the newspaper that malaria is "spiralling" there.

Extra, extra precautions with the mossies necessary, then.

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