Goa Travel Answers

No, only for south-india(peryar and kerala.)

YES, you should take them! I can't understand how someone replies so carelessly to this question saying no!!!! I came from Goa 2 weeks ago and yes you should take malaria tablets. In the news and newspapers we could read and hear everyday of the growing number of malaria, dengue fever and another mosquito related disease in all parts of India, Goa included.The Calangute area is also known to have an increasing number of malaria. When I was there there were lots of mosquitoes so beware, I wouldn't risk. I was afraid at first to take malaria tablets because I had heard of the side effects. Anyway, most of the people here in the forum ( I also read in the Goa guides) advised me to take them. I took Malarone and had absolutely no side effects. Neither did my daughter. The problem in Goa is that there are many imigrants coming to Goa from all parts of India and the number of people affected by these diseases tends to increase. I also advise you to wear long sleeves and pants at the end of the day and to use a Deet mosquito repellent. We bought one before we left and in Goa we also bought a cream called Odomos ( I think that's the correct name) which was very good. Have fun in Goa, it's a great place, I loved it. Teresa

Given the flurry of reports I would go with #2, very well reasoned. However, know the particular preventive well so as to spot any problems and to know it should be taken. Odomos is a Deet knock off and I swear by it as well as by nets..

Yes you should take it. Just for a tight sleep, you can carry a 'Good Night' or 'All-Out' MOSQUITO REPELLENT MACHINES which you can be pluged in your hotel's room. Odomos works fine for me :-)

Hi Nevh, This really is a personal choice... The incidence of malaria in Goa is very low, and the risk decreases from November onwards ie once the rains have been completely blown away. Anti malarials will not help against dengue or any other mossie borne disease. I, and thousands of others that travel to Goa every year, put more precedence on preventing being bitten in the first place, ie use Odomos liberally, and from dusk onwards cover up by wearing long sleeves, and cargo pants or trousers. Whatever you decide, enjoy your trip! Blu

I thoroughly concur with BluBluBlu posting. Once the monsoon season is over, the risk of getting bitten by a malaria carrying mozzie in Goa, is very low indeed. My wife and I along with all of our other regular visitor friends, have never taken any precautions during our numerous visits. MALARIA IS A VERY SERIOUS DISEASE, BUT THIS HAS TO BE YOUR OWN PERSONAL CHOICE. If you get a stomach up and have to call in the local doctor, most of them will immediately tell you to stop taking malaria medication, as it is by the largest cause of Delhi-Belly. As for Dengue Fever, since when has one single reported case been a big problem? Get for facts correct before making such postings

As said before, taking malaria is a personal choice. i have been to india a number of times, and beside normal vaccinations , i have not taken malarial tabs. use protection such as odomos , and good night taht are quite cheap in india. sam

Really ? How many times do you need to be bitten to get malaria ? If there are mossies in Goa which ones carry the malaria ? Most of the people on this site appear to be well travelled and sensible but when the malaria tabs question comes up I am staggered by the replies. Look on malaria tabs as safety equiptment. Some people don't take malaria tabs and are O.K. some, although very few, get malaria. Malaria precautions are reccommended for Goa because there is a risk. Every time you drive a car you run the risk of an accident, so you wear a seat belt. I hope you never need it but it's wise to take precautions. I mean how often do you need air bags ? The answer 'I dont take malaria tabs and I'm O.K.' dosen't really do it for me. It's a safety precaution so you choose. It's always wise to consult youe doctor on things like this. You'll probably get better advice than from a bunch of tourists (myself included) Well that's my rant over for today, now just somebody ask how much to tip the porters at the airport. All the best Jeff

LOL! There is always loads of mossies...does not mean that malaria is up! Ignore the hype! Enjoy Blu