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The truth about malaria

 

 

One of the main problems we have encountered over the years with the development of the WavePark Resort is the truth about malaria has been skewed to the detriment of Mentawaians and land-based resorts. Capitalistic charter boat operators in the mentawai islands perpetuate a fear and ignorance of the parasite in order to secure their businesses in the islands. Below is a list of scientifically proven facts to help you decide the relative risk (or not) of chosing between a land-based, or yacht-based holiday.

  • The Malaria parasite can only be carried in higher primates, including humans. No other animals can act as resevoirs for the disease.
  • Malaria is a serious problem in the Mentawai Islands in POPULATED AREAS. THERE IS NO MALARIA in areas that have no population of parasite carriers.
  • The Anopheles Sundacious mosquito, which is the only disease vector able to carry and transfer the parasite, is capable of flying over 3 kilometres through open areas to reach a possible meal.
  • Guests on charter boats anchored near densely populated villages are more at risk of contracting malaria than land-based guests living in areas with no resevoirs of disease.
  • At WPM we stock malaria test kits on hand, provided in conjunction with Surf-Aid, as well as Malarone, Larium, Mefloquine, Quinine and Chloroquine. In 10 years of operation, we have had to test and evacuate one guest (2007) for contracting malaria while on the island.  A total of 5 guests have reported having contracted malaria, 2 of which visited other malarial regions before or after coming to our resort.
  • We also have a speedboat on standby for medical emergencies including sickness or injury. During optimal weather, we can reach the mainland Sumatra (85 nautical miles) in 5 hours. This is faster than 98% of charter boats in the Mentawais.
  • Malaria DOES exist on mainland Sumatra, Bali and Java. There is a risk of contracting the disease wherever you go (or with whomever you book your vacation) in Indonesia.
  • WPM has floor and ceiling fans so mosquitoes have increased difficulty landing on our guests. We also light mosquito coils every night and provide Permethrin dipped mosquito nets for your comfortable and safe sleep. Mosquitoes that touch these nets (or happen to make it inside) die shortly thereafter.