Malaria in India
Malaria Risk Zone in India
The entire Indian sub-continent is a malaria risk area except for areas above 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Kashmir, and Sikkim.
Malaria risk in India includes all major cities, and is particularly acute in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and Goa.
Malaria Pills for India
In order to protect yourself against malaria while you are visiting India, you should visit a travel clinic before you travel to get antimalarial pills (often called ‘malaria pills’) and any vaccinations you need. Do not buy malaria pills in India, as they are not always reliable or safe.
The most common type of malaria pill is Malarone, but others are available as well. Do not take chloroquine as an antimalarial in India, as it is not effective in preventing malaria there.
Other Ways to Prevent Malaria in India
Malaria is carried by mosquitoes that come out at night. In order to protect yourself against mosquito bites, make sure to wear plenty of insect repellent when traveling in India.
Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and closed-toed shoes with socks at night if you will be outdoors or in a building that has mosquitoes inside.
Pack a mosquito net to hang over your bed if you are staying in a hostel or hotel that has mosquitoes in the rooms. Some hotels offer incense for anti-mosquito purposes, so check with the front desk if you are worried about mosquitoes in your room or outside in the evenings.