Malaria? (Long!)

No, but I still think the bug repellent with DEET will take care of 95% of the problems.

Great tips ladies. I'm so worried about my guests getting sick. Any good DEET bug repellents out there that people would recommend for OOT bags? Somthing that would suit most people, not greasy, or stinky.

You are never "cured" from malaria, once you get it it's in your system for life, although I don't think you get any more symptoms or illness after you've been treated, but just to say that it's always there. So I guess it's a pretty big deal.

But yeah the risk is very rare.

In terms of side effects, depending on the medication you take, some MUST BE TAKEN WITH FOOD otherwise you feel really ill to your stomach. When I had to take it when I was in Ghana, I would get so nauseous if I didn't eat a full meal when I took it.

Risk is very limited; therefore, prophylaxis is not recommended for most travelers to Mexico. Travelers should use personal protection measures such as insect repellents for malaria prevention. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for the rare traveler going to the risk areas.

Before I went to Costa Rica, my MD mentioned it too. After buying the Rx, I found out it wasnt necessary. And like what was already mentioned, there are so many side effects I decided it wasnt worth it. I didnt use it once, neither did anyone else on my trip. I agree with you, it would probably put unnecessary worry on your guests. Maybe on your "getting ready for mexico" you could put a couple of websites and that be one of them. Then it would be up to your guests to decide.

Hi! I'm so glad you posted this thread! We are getting married in Playa del Carmen and having our elderly parents with us then for our honeymoon staying in Tulum and traveling to Akumal/Coba etc. So, being that I'm in public health (I'm a trainer/educator) I decided to do some research as you did on the CDC website! You're right, it's a little contradictory but that last paragraph made me realize that we just need to really be good about the prevention measures but not have to take the malaria pills. I traveled to Guatemala back in the 90's and I was the only one in my group who decided to be cautious and take the pills. It turns out I didn't really need them as we were sticking to the tourist routes, but man those pills made me SO SICK! I was so dizzy, nauseous, and tired that it started to affect my trip, so I stopped taking them.

I think we'll be ok! Too bad we'll just be missing you in that area! We'll be coming back home the week before your wedding date.

Good luck and don't feel bad about worrying abou this! Being in public health, I've convinced myself I've had all the tropical diseases - haha!

Susan

I personally hold that the CDC issues this type of "mild" warnings to cover themselves. If they said there was no risk, and someone got sick, they'd file a lawsuit. So they say there is a "mild" risk or whatever. Same way that the US has been under a at least a yellow terror warning since 2001.

I took Malarone when I was travelling in Thailand up near the Burmese border where the CDC risk alert is much stronger. Malarone is no picnic. Does quite a number on your tummy. And if you opt for doxycyclene or some other antibiotic, remember that it interferes with birth control.

Personally, I say stick with the DEET. Off! and lots of others use it, some even come in pretty scents (I love the Off! tropical fresh scent - smells like melon and has 5% DEET)