travelers to jamaica...chic v is no joke!!

[negrilsand]

I have been traveling to Negril for thirty years. Jamaica is a tropical island with billions of mosquitos. I have been on the island during every month and season of the year. I have never failed to see numerous mosquitoes in the Negril area , my wife has always had numerous bites and I have had more than one or two bites on each visit. I am amazed that anyone could report that they have never seen a mosquito in Negril or on the entire island of Jamaica. Chik-V is epidemic in Jamaica and is increasing in the western part of the island which includes Negril.I have friends from Mobay to Negril who are reporting confirmed cases of Chik-V affecting entire families and their neighbors. Ebola, West Nile and Lymes are not epidemic in the US or Canada so that is an entirely different scenario. And remember, the mosquitoes that carry the virus bite only in the day.

[passnthru]

I'm really not trying to make light of this but i've asked several times on here for anyone whose actually gotten the virus while visiting and there is only one girl who says she had a confirmed case and that was a few months ago. Is there anyone that can dispute that? Why arent a bunch of people saying yea I went and got sick. Even on trip advisor which has a lot more visitors no one is claiming to have gotten sick. Just a lot of people who aren't there speculating.

[negrilsand]

Sorry but tourists who return home and become ill don't necessarily rush to post on this or any other forum regarding their health. In fact, only a fraction of travelers ever post for any reason on any forum. Even at that, I am aware of cases of Chik-V being reported by returning tourists. Chik-V will eventually peak in Jamaica and decline as more and more residents are exposed to the virus and become immune thus reducing those vulnerable. As the more rainy season subsides, the mosquito population will hopefully decline with some reduced risk. Tourists are not a stable group in Jamaica but rather a group that is constantly providing on each arriving flight new prospects with no immunity for the virus. Tourist are more likely to use repellant and their time on the island is rather brief. Still, I think that it is a matter of chance whether one is infected or not. Tourist may have less chance to be infected, but this is a chance that I am not presently taking.

[EdmontonGuy]

I have been here 10 days now and have some bites - even though I have sprayed with Deep Woods Off @30% DEET. I am feeling OK as is my Buddy. We have 8 more days. There are mosquitoes alright swatted one buzzing my ear just a few minutes ago. I wish I had brought some itch stuff though - but not paying through the nose for it in Negril. Maybe I will dab some JB on the bites from the dregs in the bottle lol...that should shock the skin...it usually gets JB fed from the inside.

[Ratty2141]

I highly recommend The No Mosquito Candle and rub on repellant by Starfish Oils. Highly effective and smells wonderful. Uses lemomgrass and eucalyptus oils among others. We always stock up on them when we come to Jamaica and family and friends ask us to bring this back as well. http://starfishoils.com/no-mosquito-...ral-body-spray . We usually get this at Devon House in Kingston. Here is there Kingston number to ask about retail locations 876-906-8045.

[negrilmaven]

How have you heard about these cases? I am with you...not taking any chances

[Jamerican71]

I have a few family members in Kingston that have had Chick - V. My mom wants me to cancel my trip but I told her no way. My dad will also be taking his regular trip in February to Kingston.

I'm a magnet for mosquitoes but I will make sure to get Avon Skin so Soft or Off spray plus Avon has a sunscreen with mosquito repellent. I will also take pain meds which I normally take with me anyways.