We'll be on our way to AC this Sunday (for a couple of weeks). In the meantime, some friends are telling us that we should be taking precautionary measures against malaria by taking pills. Personally, I don't take pills for anything unless I really have to...especially if they may impair my drinking ability. BTW: We're planning a one day excursion to the mainland for the rainforest and/or ruins. So...what's the word? Do I need to take the darned meds???

NO

and even if ya did, 48 hrs before you go is too short a time to start.

one a week two weeks before you go, each week your there, and four weeks after return. we took 'em last year - no problems but have decided probably not necessary - not takin' them this year

or take Malarone - 1 day before you leave, everyday when you're there, and a week after you return.

Not necessary at all

Drink lots of Gin and Tonics... the quinine in the tonic will protect ya !

I found information on Malarone and according to travel specialist doctors, Malarone is the way to go. Start two days before you leave, one pill every day and 1 week after return home. It's not that inconvient, so we have decided to do it. You know the saying, "better safe than sorry."

When doing your research, you may also want to find information on how many human cases of Malaria have been diagnosed on Ambergris Caye or in the area you are visiting. Tne disease is transmitted by a mosquito who has bitten an infected person and then biting you. No cases human Malaria means zero chance that you will come into contact with a mosquito to transfer it to you.

As a side note; I am a biting bug magnet...they just love me. I did not get a single bite of any kind either in Cayo, Guatemala (Tikal) or on Ambergris Caye and did not even get the 3 botttles of DEET I brought as a precaution out of my suitcase.

Hon

With regards to the use of Malarone, while you can get it, it is not yet recommended for areas where the malaria is not yet resistant to Chloraquine.

Ergo, Malarone is the bigger gun that will be brought out when Chloraquine is no longer effective. And an added benefit, at this time Chloraquine is also significantly less expensive than Malarone.