Job Discussion Forums

poof · Joined: 23 May 2005 Posts: 161

I'm perhaps coming to Xinjiang for my next teaching job. I always worry though about the presence of Malaria where I travel as I don't want to be on prolonged anti-malarial medication. Is Malaria an issue in Xinjiang? Would I have to get tablets/shots for the entire stay there?

Thanks for any pointers.

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

Try a Google or Yahoo search.

http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract/7788901
[Current malaria stratification in China]

Zhongguo Ji Sheng Chong Xue Yu Ji Sheng Chong Bing Za Zhi. 1995; 13(1):8-12 (ISSN: 1000-7423)
Liu C; Qian H; Tang L; Zheng X; Gu Z; Zhu W
Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai.

During the past 30 years since 1958 when malaria stratification was first made, a great change in malaria situation has occurred. The original stratification can not represent the current status of malaria distribution. Therefore, it needs to be redivided so as to provide basis for future malaria control work. Taking species of mosquito vector and malaria incidence as the main indices and making reference to the natural geographical division, the current malaria endemic area in China can be divided into four regions, i.e. (1) Western region: it is mostly a natural non-endemic area, except some limited areas with sporadic cases in Xinjiang Autonomous Region; (2) Northern region: the whole north-eastern and partial northern China belong to the areas where malaria has been basically eliminated; but sporadic occurrence still exist in most part of the northern China; (3) Central region: it is mostly a hypo-endemic area, only a small part has meso-endemicity; (4) Southern region: nearly 50% has meso-endemicity and the other 50% has hypo-endemicity. The demarcation line of natural non-endemic areas and the areas where malaria has been basically eliminated has been defined.

http://sprojects.mmi.mcgill.ca/tropmed/disease/malaria/countries.htm#c

Rural areas only in Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong, Shanghai, Sichuan, Xinjiang, Xizang, Yunnan and Zhejiang provinces/autonomous regions. Transmission occurs < 1500 metres from July to November north of 33o North, from May to December between 33o North and 25o N and throughout the year below 25o North. Note: Travellers visiting cities and popular rural tourist routes are generally not at risk and require no prophylaxis.

http://www.travmed.com/maps/country.epl?c=China

Malaria: The risk of malaria (P. falciparum variety) exists in all rural areas of Hainan, as well as in rural areas of Yunnan and Guangxi, and in the immediate border areas with Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. Very limited risk of P. vivax malaria exists in remote rural areas of Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Sichuan, Xizang (only along the valley of Zangbo River in the extreme southeast), and Yunnan. Even lower risk exists in remote rural areas of Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong, Shanghai, and Zhejiang. Where there is transmission, it occurs below 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) from July to November north of latitude 33�N, from May to December between 33�N and 25�N, and throughout the year south of 25�N.
� Prophylaxis with atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone), mefloquine (Lariam), or doxycycline is recommended in risk areas of Hainan, Yunnan, and Guangxi.
� Chloroquine is recommended in areas with P. vivax.
� All travelers should take measures to prevent evening and nighttime mosquito bites. Insect-bite prevention measures include a DEET-containing repellent applied to exposed skin, insecticide (permethrin) spray applied to clothing and gear, and use of a permthrin-treated bednet at night while sleeping.
� Travelers visiting cities and popular rural sites on all usual tourist routes, including cruises, are not at risk, and antimalarial drugs are not recommended for these areas.

Malaria Info:
� Plasmodium falciparum accounts for 14.9% of cases (1998). P. ovale is rare, and P. malariae has been eliminated.
� Chloroquine resistance was first reported in 1973 in Yunnan. 97.4% of P. falciparum in this region were resistant as of 1992. Resistance is also common in Hainan. Risk exists year-round.
� Malaria risk exists only in rural of the following provinces: Hainan, Yunnan, Fuijan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Xizang (Zangbo River Valley only), Anhui, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong, Shanghai, and Zhejiang. Transmission only occurs during warm weather. North of latitude 33� N, transmission occurs during July to November; between latitude 33� N to 25� N, transmission occurs May to December; south of latitude 25� N, transmission occurs year-round. Travelers to cities and popular tourist areas (including Yangtze River cruises) are not at risk.
� Highest prevalence is registered in the rural east and south. Seven provinces(Guangdong, Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan and Fujian) account for 76% of all cases. Less than 1% of cases are reported from the north and northeast.
� Rates in Hainan have declined in recent years. The province reported 10.2 million cases in 1970; 5,043 in 1998. The rate in Guangxi declined from 296.7/100,000 in 1954 to 0.07/100,000 in 1998.
� Currently, only P. vivax is reported from Guangdong province.
� As of 1995, P. falciparum was limited to 56 counties in Henan and Yunnan provinces; 44 counties in 1997. P. malariae infection is common in Sichuan Province.
� The estimated number of malaria fatalities decreased from 300,000 in 1950 to only 19 in 1993. 42 malaria deaths were reported in 1994; 34 in 1995; 24 in
1998.

BIRD FLU AND AIDS ARE WHAT YOU NEED TO BE CONCERNED WITH!

mjlpsu · Joined: 03 Oct 2005 Posts: 128 Location: NJ to Shenzhen

I don't think I saw a single mosquito in Urumqi in August.

poof · Joined: 23 May 2005 Posts: 161

A lot of malaria info there - thanks! Just 24 malaria fatalities in 1998 - if this is an accurate record, doesn't seem too much to worry about relative to the overall population size...

I just wondered what people who have spent anytime in Xinjiang think, since printed health advisories are often very different to what I've experienced when on the ground.

Call me paranoid, but I also wonder how many teachers bought some syringes with them from back home in case of medical emergency, or even for getting the initial blood test done for the visa? I wouldn't worry if this was Beijing or Shanghai as there are some pretty good clinics there, but in the case of Xinjiang, it's a place I only know through pictures! (Although I have info on other living aspects of the region).

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

I have done teacher training in Urumqi and Shanghai.

I think Urumqi will surprise you.

It is really very modern without the brand name shopping.

I prefer the civilized people of Urumqi to the arrogant Shanghaiese

I know I am going to take heat for these comments but they are how I feel. I am willing to own my feelings.

linchobbs · Joined: 14 Aug 2004 Posts: 10 Location: Korla, Xinjiang

I have been living in Xinjiang for two years now. I have never worried about malaria and I have not met anyone here who does. In my experience, the chinese are great worriers. So I conclude that there is nothing to worry about.

AIDS and Bird Flu are another matter. Apparently the rate of AIDS infection is relatively high in Xinjiang as compared to the rest of China. I have been to the local hospital and for my health examination and I can assure you that they use new needles. So if you don't do anything silly you should be fine. As for Bird Flu, there were a few outbreaks last year. According to the WHO Xinjiang is on a major bird migration route so this situation is likely to perpetuate. Nevertheless, until now all the cases of human bird flu infection were from people who were in close contact with the birds (handling carcasses and so on). So unless the virus changes you should be safe.

My neighbours' blog www.china.notspecial.org has more information on the bird flu phenomena.

I second Malsol: the people here are very friendly. Xinjiang is a beautiful and interesting place.

Whatever you decide, best of luck.

poof · Joined: 23 May 2005 Posts: 161

Thanks linchobbs. I thought your friend's blog was informative, too. Seems the high rate of AIDS is down to heroin use. I didn't realise it was such a problem in that area. Does the region have a higher crime rate as a result?

Linchobbs, if you are getting in to urumqi, what's the best route to get there? (assuming the start point could be from anywhere).

Also, did you come in with a Z visa ready prepared from 'home', or did you do a visa hop into a neighboring country, or even, do you reckon Xinjiang province is okay for transfering tourist visas to Z visas?

Malsol · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1976 Location: Lanzhou

L to Z is difficult everywhere except Shanghai and Beijing.

L to F is easy then F to Z in 30 days is also easy.

Beaurocratic red tape that is crazy by any standard.

GETING THERE -

Da plane = da plane boss!

linchobbs · Joined: 14 Aug 2004 Posts: 10 Location: Korla, Xinjiang

Poof,

I have a strong impression that crime is much worse in inland China, though there are some problems with theft.

In terms of travel, yeah, the plane. It is a long train ride from Beijing! Although some friends who have done said it was interesting enough. Urumchi is a hub for China Southern so you can get there from most points in China.

In terms of visas, Xinjiang is a special place for the Chinese and they are rigorous about these things. I would strongly advise that you come with your Z visa in hand if at all possible.

Will you be coming to northern Xinjiang in February? If so, dress warmly!

Mpho · Joined: 30 Aug 2004 Posts: 58

I too live in Xinjiang and this is my second year here. Yes, we do have mosquitos out in the countryside (not Urumqi). But malaria is not a concern.

We leave our windows open all the time and usually unless it is pitch black and your lights are on the bugs don't dome in at all. I have been bitten a few times by mosquitos and bees.

You will find Xinjiang very different from Eastern China and depending on where you will be in Xinjiang will determine how different.

You will be one of a few foreigners in the town/city unless you are in Urumqi.

Yes, Xinjiang and Yunnan are the HIV capitals of China, so be careful.
Yes, we have lots of chickens here, but not as much bird flu as other provinces (so far.)

I would be concerned about riding in taxis, trying to cross a street and things like that not worrying about malaria in Xinjiang.

Mpho

poof · Joined: 23 May 2005 Posts: 161

Okay, so it seems Malaria is not a priority here. I'm figuring that I should have at least, however, a Hepatitis A vaccine. Right?

I think I'll bring along my own set of syringes just in case. Anyone had any trouble bringing these through customs?

Actually my main concern with working on the mainland is the visa hassle.
As far as I know from the above visa sticky, the process is this:

- submit requested docs to school following an offer > ARE FAXED/EMAILED COPIES OKAY?
- school sends you some doc to take to a consulate/embassy for the Z visa > WAITING TIME SPAN?
- you go to consulate for Z visa > POSSIBLE TIME SPAN FOR RECEIVING THE VISA?

I have 2 options of getting the Z visa either in London or Hong Kong (could also thus consider Macau). I read that in Hong Kong, you don't need to do the initial medical and that the Z visa processing time can be as short as one day. Can anyone who's processed recently in Hong Kong confirm this? I don't fancy the costs involved in getting the medical checks and doing the embassy runs in the UK.

Thank you very much for all your info.