Doxycycline (Malaria): Avoiding mosquito bites is the first line of defense against malaria. The second are anti-malarial drugs which significantly reduce the risk of contracting malaria. Numerous malaria drugs are available including Mefloquine (brand name Larium), Malarone, and Doxycycline. Each has it's own list of pros and cons. Larium has earned a bad rap due to the long list of potential side effects, while Malarone and Doxycline both require that they are taken daily (Larium by comparison is once weekly). We have taken Malarone and Doxycycline on numerous previous trip with positive results. Ultimately, based on positive personal experience and it's relatively low cost, we have chosen to take Doxycycline for this expedition. Other than the minor annoyance of having to take it daily, Doxycycline has relatively minor side effects that include increased sensitivity to the sun and possible yeast infections for women.

Diamox (Aclimitization): During our journey, we plan to spend some time at altitude including our climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. Ascending to high altitudes, particularly rapid accents above 9,000 feet, can result in Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). AMS symptoms can include headache, nausea, and vomiting. Clearly, the best prevention for AMS is a slow accent that provides enough time for the body to acclimatize. As an additional precaution we will be carrying Diamox to aid with acclimatization.

Ciprofloxacin (Bacterial Food Poisoning): As many times as we've been stricken by food poisoning in Africa, Asia, and South America you'd think we sought it out. And, perhaps we do. We love trying new foods in developing countries and food born illnesses are a potential side effect. That said, we're carrying a healthy supply of antibiotics to treat any bouts of severe bacterial food poisoning we pick-up along the way.