malaria in honiara, bringing baby

Hi, Am considering spending some extended periods of time in SI for work, and would be bringing along 14 month old baby. Can anyone speak to prevalence of malaria in Honiara? I've read both that malaria is and isn't a real problem in the city.... Thanks

I can't speak for Honiara specifically, but I do know that malaria is a real problem in the Solomons in general, and that mosquitos do not respect city boundaries. In Papua, the biggest city Jayapura is one of the worst places for malaria, probably simply because in crowded places it gets passed around more easily. I would definitely suggest taking all precautions against malaria no matter what anyone says about Honiara.

Malaria is present in Honiara, more so in some areas of town than in others, but it is still ever present. I met an expat couple in Honiara who managed to stick it out for only 3-4 months before returning home with their baby. On the other hand, I've met expats there with children who have stayed on, and expats married to locals, whith children, who also have no problems. Definitely use mosquito nets - you can buy them at the malaria centre in Honiara itself or bring them over with you.

But it's probably best to ask an expert in tropical diseases in your home town before making the move if you're worried about it.

I would agree with Watsoff. I have had enough malaria living on Guadalcanal to take it very seriously. It is not as prevalent now as it was when I was living there in the early 90s, but you should make sure you have intact fly screens wherever you live, get advice on baby-friendly insect repellants, and don't take the child outside around dawn and dusk, when mosquitos are most prevalent. If you need to, make sure the baby is covered from head to toe. Also, don't leave any containers outside that could hold water in which a mosquito could breed. (Even an empty Taiyo tin is enough.)
And definitely get advice from a doctor who has experience in the area. (Mine usually asks me!)

Malaria is a problem in many places. My children survived being born and living in Western Solomons with occasional visits to Honiara. The malaria mosquitoes are dusk and dawn biters. Nets as suggested are great and can be diped in Permethran. Non Deet type insect repellant when out of doors and light clothing to cover exposed areas works fine. I am always more wary of mosquitoes in Ross River prone areas.

It a real duuuuuh issue honestly.

Malaria in Solomon Islands is transmitted by one specific mosquito. Currently it is active from about 5pm onwards through to say 7am. Keep your screen doors closed during this period and keep bub's cot under a mosquito net. Maybe use an insect spray under beds and other hiding places if you suspect that mosquitoes have managed to get inside your house. How hard is that? Too hard for most people because they still get malaria (you cannot rely on hearing,seeing or feeling the mosquito).

Its true that Honiara seems to have less malaria than the provinces. However, it might be more likely to have drug resistant strains. Therefore, keep the doors closed, bub under the net, etc. If you are going to be in Honiara most or all of the time, I advise against taking drugs - its just not necessary. If you plan to be outside at dusk, wear long trousers and use a bit of insect repellant on your elbows and other bite-attractive spots.

And remember, keep your screen doors closed, keep bub's cot under a mosquito net, etc, etc. Honestly, its easier teaching people to wear condoms than teaching them to avoid mosquitoes!!!

The mosquitos you see and hear and feel are not the ones that give you malaria. The malaria ones are sneakier than that.
However there are other things you can catch from the ones you see and hear.

We live in Munda with our son, who was 18 months when we got here... we sleep under permethrin treated nets, wear insect repellant if we're going to be out and about around dusk/dawn and our son takes Lariam which is considered safe for children and breast-feeding mothers.