Dear Ram,

The provinces of Bocas del Toro, Darien San Blas and Panama seem to be the areas that are often warned about. Malaria is a serious disease that can kill rapidly. (although most cases are not fatal)
Having said that. I recently talked with a college professor who had lived for several years around Bocas town and wasn't aware of anyone having malaria while he was living there. Since the mosquitos that carry malaria bite only at night the use of mosquito nets treated with permithrin, use of DEET insect repellants and other measures to prevent bites are as important as taking the preventitive drugs. You can go to the web-site of the CDC www.cdc.gov for instructions on the prevention of mosquito bites( also very important to prevent dengue fever which does occur in Bocas del Toro). Luckily, in the Bocas area the malaria is still sensitive to chloroquine. This drug is taken once per week. I would discuss the safety of this drug for you with whatever doctor takes care of your liver problem. Alternatively, I would consider the Pacific coast where malaria is not an issue in the Western part of the country as I understand.
Good luck,
Gringo

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