Do I need malaria pills or iodine tables for my summer trip to Lisbon?

are you talking about Lisbon, Portugal? Come on, it is one of the most travelled european capitals! Why do you even think you'll be catching malaria in Portugal? According to google, there haven't been new cases of malaria since 1959, that doesn't sound worrying.. Leave all of your fears at home and go, don't worry for malaria, seafood, terrorist attacks, aliens etc...

How likely is Malaria in Portugal?

There's no malaria in Lisbon.

And shouldn't I bring iodine pills for the water, as well?

No.

Is the seafood safe to eat in Lisbon? The fruit?

Yes.

Should I avoid ice cubes and salads in restaurants?

No.

http://www.lisbon-tourist-guide.com/lisbon-water.html
http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/europe--russia/portugal.aspx#MalariaContentHeading

Sadly, MIN_USA, your post falls into the "is this person serious?" category.

If you are serious, then you are worrying far far too much, worrying to the point that it is almost maladaptive.

I wonder whether, in the long run, people telling you there isn't malaria in Portugal, that it's OK to drink tap water, safe to eat seafood, fruit, etc. is really going to help you.

Why on earth would you need anti-malarials or water treatment tablets? Lisbon isn't some backwater

You do know that Portugal is not located in Africa, do you?

There is no malaria risk in Portugal, you can safely eat seafood, fruits, ice cubes and salads. And yes, you can bring your own mosquito repellent to Europe, but put in your hold luggage as liquids, gels and pastes are not allowed in your carry-on baggage. If you're repellent doesn't work, consider buying a local one as it may be more effective (just go to a pharmacy or drug store).

In general, Europe is a very safe place to travel to and in many ways comparable to the U.S. Please do travel outside the U.S. more often because you indeed sound freaked out. (Just imagine me asking: "I went to see a travel nurse at a clinic in my city to get vaccinated before my trip to Minnesota. She didn't suggest that I bring malaria pills with me, which I though was odd. And shouldn't I bring iodine pills for the water?" You would probably die laughing.)

That said, you can never totally avoid getting sick on holidays. Even if you drink plenty of water (Portugal is hot in summer) and stay away from food that doesn't look fresh (as you would do at home, I presume) your stomach might need a day or two to get used to the local cuisine. Or you break your ankle because you didn't pay attention on the stairs...

Hello MN_USA,

She didn't suggest that I bring Malaria p.lls with me to Lisbon, which I thought was odd. Shouldn't I? And shouldn't I bring iodine pills for the water, as well?

Don't worry and thank this 'unhelpful' nurse.
I think it's odd in your view to not recommend or give these p.lls because the American way of life (approaching health) requires as much pills (medicine etc.) as there are available (not: as there are necessarily required)
.
I know: a generalisation.

There's something wrong with you in that approach if you don't take/use them. Intimidating advertising and loads of (semi-) medical stuff at the entrance of the shopping-centres (WalMart is champion IMO) makes that many Americans etc. etc.

Do I have to bring repellent when I cross Montana in due time? Yes/No, I don't worry. Can always buy it there. Though the middle of nowhere, it's a developed state, I assume, (almost) equal as Portugal.

This is my point of view, no offense, it's better to say things straight. I forgot the proverb but it's equivalent to 'soft healers make stinking wounds'

Anyway have a nice trip to a nice, hospitable country.

NB. Do you fly from Bozeman?
(first try didn't pass censorship, so camouflage of a possibly infected word)

I think this person is serious. For the Americans, being intimidated by health (not healthy) commercials and stumbing on the medical department first when entering WalMart, it's really a culture shock to find out that things here are quite modern.

There's something wrong with you if you don't use medicine, is a generally accepted attitude.

But MN_USA, if you need repellent, just buy it in Portugal.

NB. Do you fly from Bozeman?

Wish you a good trip.
Beware of pickpockets (that's my amemory to Lisbon). But also for that, I have to blame myself (partly)

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?newPost=true&messageID=20717177&#20717177
postings #10 and 11

first try didn't pass censorship, so camouflage of a possibly infected word

I think this entire thread was flagged for moderation. I don't know how this could be done -- if by moderator, then why do they also permit stupid SPAM?

I have had this blocking experience with some other potential 'hot' topics. For most threads my post gets through immediately. On this thread I posted when it was empty, half an hour later 5 replies popped up and I was #5.