See East Africa travel guides on wordtravels.com
Malaria in Mozambique - should I take malaria tablets? | WordTravels Forum
Not signed in (Sign In)
Are you an Expert in a destination or topic? Apply here for Expert status.

Africa > East Africa: Malaria in Mozambique - should I take malaria tablets?

Bottom of Page

1 to 9 of 9

  1.  
 
mathieu
Jun 19th 2009
edited
Hi - I am planning a trip to Mozambique, I read that you need to take malaria tablets before going but some people say this is not really necessary and they make you feel ill. I am going to an island off the north coast of Mozambique in the Quirimbas Archipelago which I'm told is malaria free. Not sure whether to take the risk, can anyone advise?
 Report Post
 
Sarah
Jun 24th 2009
Hi-ermm when I went to Egypt I had to take malaria tablets and they didn't make me feel ill at all. I suggest you have an injection if you think that you will feel ill
 Report Post
 
DavidF
Jun 24th 2009
There is no drug that prevents malaria contraction. Drugs like Larium simply mask the symptoms of malaria and reduce the severity of symptoms. However, there are often side-effects, ranging from nauseau to paranoia. Test the drug before you depart. Be warned also that the frequently prescribed doxycyline can make one's skin highly sensitive to sun. My vote is not to take medication, but to step up the preventative measures to avoid getting bitten. Use mozzie coils, repellents, long pants with socks at night, etc.
 Report Post
 
Expert
 
jansimpson12600
Jun 25th 2009
When I went to Kenya on Safari, I took the malaria pills. I had a very had reaction to them and actually hallucinated during the night and woke up the entire Mazai camp. I had no memory of it but thank goodness, some UN nurses were on safari with me and told me that it was the quinine in the pills that causes hallucinations in some...find out before you take them. I would suggest any other method to battle mosquitos though.
 Report Post
Small, personal, private tour operator in the Tampa, Florida area. Grateful Hearts Rainbow Tours: www.gratefulheartsrainbowtours.com
 
guest
Jun 25th 2009
We´re going to Mozambique this July and decided not to take any malaria pills because of the possible side effects. But we´re going to take any possible care of not being bitten too often...
 Report Post
 
Guest
Jul 7th 2009
edited
Me too, I'm going to Mozambique in August and decided not to take anything! Take care of not getting bitten and use strong repellents!
 Report Post
 
exploreplus
Expert
 
Jul 8th 2009
I'm a tour operator specializing in packages to Mozambique and most countries in East Africa. On the end of the day people make their own choices, but important, MALARIA is MALARIA, if you enter a malaria are you are in risk to get it and the best advice is to visit a travel clinic as they issue malaria tablets according to your medical history.
 Report Post
Explore Plus is a tour operator specializing in Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Mozambique, Uganda and Thailand.. Explore Plus Travel & Tours: www.exploreplus.co.za
 
Maggie
Jul 15th 2009
I've travelled quite quite a bit in East Africa and would never go there without taking malaria prophylaxis. I've taken MALARONE on three seperate trips now, and have never had any side effects. They're expensive but you only have to take them for two days before and one week after after your trip. I'm going to Mozambique in November and I'll certainly be taking them again. I've taken Chloroquine when travelling in Central America. You take this just twice a week, and it's very cheap - again I've had no side effects, but I believe that it's no longer effective against the strain of malaria that's prevalent in East Africa. I've heard of side effects from Lariam, including hallucinations and ongoing psychiatric problems, but I've never taken it myself. If you're worried about side-effects, you could try a trial run of the medication before you go away. Of course it's best to avoid being bitten, but you can never be 100% sure - those pesky mosquitoes get everywhere, and I've been bitten despite jungle-strength deet 24/7 and mosquito nets at night. Malaria is a very serious disease which can be life-threatening, so for the sake of popping a few pills, why take chances with your long-term health?
 Report Post
 
mathieu
Aug 24th 2009
Malaria is definately an issue in Mozambique and I would normally take tablets if there for a short time. But some of the offshore islands are mosquito and malaria free, such as Vamizi off the north coast of the country.
 Report Post

1 to 9 of 9

  1.  
Add your comments
    I am a Guest User or I’m already a member

  • Format comments as
 
Back to Discussions Top of Page
Word Travels shall not be held responsible or liable for any injury, loss or damage incurred from the use of any content published in this forum.