go to this website:

cdc.gov

center for disease control

they ARE recommending you take a precaution drug like Chlorooquine. We started ours last week. you take it once a week, 1 week before your vacation, while your there and then four weeks afterwards. I have no side effects thus far and we are leaving friday morning for PC.

of course no one SEES mosquitos, but you know they're there...

we bring citronella candles to burn on our porch or in the room if we think it's that bad, but DID decide to take the meds. Do some research and make and informed decision. if you take the meds, it may be some stress off your back incase you get bit. and you will get bit. at least once.

There is a posting on the puerto plata forum regarding this subject. I am taking the meds because our Doctor advised us to. The reason is because there are aprox 1000-1500 cases of Maleria reported in the DR each year. That nuber has doubled since the hurricanes last Sept. That is only the number of reported cases...many cases are not even reported. 3 Canadians and 6 Americans returned from Punta Cana and were diagnosed with Maleria before Christmas. The choice is yours but I felt I would rather be safe than sorry. the cost was only $11.00 Canadian. If you want more info check out Debbie's Dominican travel web site there are postings in those forums also. I would also look into getting your hep shots called Twin rix ( I think)

Enjoy your trip.

There is a post by "Chanel" farther down. Look around January 23. It's a very lucid and well written post. I'm not going to take the meds. I did get a Hep A vaccination but no mas. I'm going to take my chances on malaria. To me the chances of contracting it are just too remote. It's a personal choice though. I guess do whatever it takes to let you sleep at night.

We just came back from Punta Cana and the mosquitos were not a problem. I went to my pharmacist and asked for a print out on the side effects of Chloriquine and after reading that we decided not to take the meds. We were informed that Health Canada lifted the advisory to take the meds just before we left on Jan. 6th as there had not been any cases in 2 months. I understand that the resorts spray as well to keep the mosquitos down.

Our contact person with World of Vacations who is Canadian, but lives at the resort thinks the whole thing was political to get more people going back to Cuba and Mexico. There was no such advisory in Europe and I would say that at least 75% of the people at the resort were Europeans.

Like many others planning a trip to the DR, we were advised to take anti-malaria drugs before departing. We took lariam - a once a week pill. In hindsight it was unnecessary. The pills did more damage than the so called mosquitos. We think the problem was blown out of proportion and quite frankly do not see the need unless you plan on treking in the deep jungle. Take a can of good bug spray instead.

Thanks to everyone for responding. I actually have an appt with my doctor in about an hour. So, I will report back with his recommendations. What are some of the side effects from the anti-malaria pills, anyway?

I had a physical with my family doc yesterday. When I told him that I was going to Punta Cana next Friday, he advised me to protect myself against both Hep a b and Malaria. I took the injection for Hep a and was already protected for the b. As for the Malaria, I started the meds yesterday as well. My wife who is an advanced care paramedic is shoosing not to take it. The more I read, the more I am thinking that I will not follow up with the other doses. One of the side effects is mood swings. I am a firefighter and am presently working today (24 hour shift) For a joke, I told the guys that I may experience mood swings. I hope it does not happen.

Does anyone know what happens if you do not continue with the full complements of pills?

Well I am back from the appointment with my doctor. For me, my doctor suggested the anti-malaria meds and Hep A vaccination. In addition, I got a tetnis shot and another for measles, mumps, rubella--I couldn't recall if I had the adult vacinnation for this. I am going to take the anti-malaria because the CDC updated their website on 1/11 re the outbreak in November 2004 and recommends it for those travelling to DR. I guess if I have some weird side effects I will have to decide on the later doses.

My boyfriend doesn't go for his appointment until next week.

Thanks again for all that have responed and I hope my follow up has been helpful for others.

Even after three injections today, I am still looking forward to fun in the sun!

I have also opted not to take the meds. There have been very few reportings of people seeing any mosquitos...and last year we went in Feb we saw NONE! People who report having any kind of bites are usually due to sand flies and not mosquitos. I'm bringing Deep Woods Off just in case for dusk but doubt I'll need it!

I'm not advocating to not take them...to each thier own.

Ya, I guess there is no stand fast rule about taking or not taking the drugs. I will monitor this week and see if there are any side effects. Nothing like being a guiney pig!!!!!!