Medications and so on!
My prior doctor at the Veterans Administration Hospital responded to an e-mail from me asking about the malaria and other diseases I might encounter. He had gone to Africa, Vietnam, Cambodia and Costa Rica as I have, and he has good insight into various diseases in Central America and other locations around the world. He responded with the following information:
I'm glad you are happy with your new doctor. You will need malaria prophylaxis for Honduras, but the good news is that it is one of the few countries in the world where you can still use chloroquine (although the VA does not actually have chloroquine but they have a similar drug - hydroxychloroquine). It has less side effects than mefloquine (Larium) and is very safe and effective and only needs to be taken once a week like mefloquine. There is also risk of dengue fever in Honduras which gives you a horrible fever and pain. The good news is that it goes away on its own, the bad news is that there is no vaccine or medication to prevent it since it is a viral disease. It is transmitted by mosquitoes so use long sleeves and DEET especially if there happens to be an outbreak when you are there! Let Mai or your new doc know about your trip and they can have it written for you. I think you already had typhoid vaccine though you may want to check if you need a new one yet. Keep me posted on your adventures! -Bryan
December 29th, 2007: I met with my new doctor, Mr. Chamie, and showed him the above information. He agreed and I ended up having a flu shot and then, a typhoid shot in the left arm and a tetanus shot in the right arm. Dr. Chamie said he would also send me the malaria pills and suggested I and any fellow travelers to Nicaragua should not swim in any lakes or pet any animals as the lakes are full of nasty things and many animals may be infected with rabies!
Published on 2008.02.20