Malaria question again

spent a week in peurto maldonado area at a jungle lodge and yes i would advise taking anti malarial meds when in the jungle. some people feel no ill effects from the meds, i experianced mild dizzines. no big deal. no need for the meds while at elevation in cuzco. happy trails

There is no vaccine for malaria. You take the same medication as if you were already infected with malaria. It depends definatly on what risk you want to take and how deep you go really into the jungle and how high the risk is currently around Puerto Maldonado. Usually the risk of getting malaria in SA is low and I personally would not take the tabs except in a special area with high risk.

According to CDC, Puerto Maldonado is a high risk area for malaria. Ultimately, it is up to you, whether or not to take the medication. Many people are cautious and hesitant, because of the side effects. However, consider the possibility of getting the disease. Does the risk of getting side effects really outweigh the benefit of reducing the chances of getting malaria? I used to also be hesitant and did not want to medicate. That was until I witnessed a coworker of mine having a "flare up" of the disease right in front of my eyes. I later learnt that she had chosen not to take malaria meds when in the jungle. She is now infected for life. I have only recently joined this forum and come across some travellers that have not taken meds when in high risk areas and they were fine. Before you make a decision, keep in mind that there are many more that HAVE been infected. Needless to say, I now take the meds!

if you take the tablets you should also investigate the better ones to take
they all have side effects but i would stay away from Larium - i think the possibility of having side affects and the type of side affects are not worth it

How about visiting a doctor specialised in infectious diseases and travel health? It's at least what I will do (and I myself am a doctor) ...