We assumed that we would not need to take Malaria pills for our upcoming trip to Cape Town and the Winelands. But our airline has just told us they recommended them. The last time I took the pills they made me really sick. Was hoping to avoid them if possible. Any thoughts?

My thought is that you should seek medical advice from your phyisician, not an airline or a website. That being said, I have never taken malaria pills for a trip to Cape Town, nor were they recommended to be taken by my doctor.

Have to agree with thit_cho - when did an airline reservation clerk become a physician - they've probably never been outside a call center. This is something you should discuss with your physician or a tropical desease specialist.

That said, if you are only going to be in Capetown and the Winelands - you don't need malaria meds.

Skie,

100% sure you do not need malaria pills if you are only visiting Cape Town and the Winelands.

Very proudly part of the wonderful nation of South Africa

Thank you, all.

You've had 100% correct advice from others who KNOW. But anyway, here is a link to a map that shows the ONLY malaria-risk areas in the country. It is only the far NE region, as you will see.

http://www.malaria.org.za/Malaria_Ri.../risk_maps.htm