An interesting article -which I do think relies on a somewhat dubious compilation of statistics. (I took "Stat" in college and never forgot the prof's timeworn joke: Figures don't lie but liars figure" - and I hasten to say {truly} that I only mean in the case of this author that the "figures" need much more study) I was struck by the author's vehement urging against Lariam (persistently spelled in the article as "Larium"). At age 63, I took Lariam for several weeks before I ever saw Africa and for nearly a month in Africa and for several weeks after I was out of Africa. No side effects whatever. Does that "prove" that Lariam is harmless? Of course not -because it worked for the "very special person" that I am. (No, no need to applaud) What I mean is that any non-African resident should consult a physician who is experienced in tropical medicine -and follow his/her recommendation. (In my case it was a woman doctor) I appreciate that many of the posters in this forum are describing firsthand, personal experience (whether of themselves or others) but they are not "me" and they are not "you", the first time traveler into a malaria area. A doctor experienced in tropical medicine (mine had worked in malarial areas of Africa for years) is the one to see. BTW, for older types- quinine has`a distinct effect on heart action -so that's another factor to get the advice of an M.D. about) Sorry if this is longwinded but my father contracted malaria in Panama and I saw the results of it for many years afterwards. It is worse than getting hepatitis - and if that doesn't scare you then I don't know what will.