For a two-week trip entirely within Rajasthan, avoiding mosquito bites without taking malaria tablets fits current UK guidance. US guidance recommends tablets, which helps explain the conflicting advice you’ve found.

UK guidance classifies Rajasthan as a low-risk area. It recommends preventing mosquito bites and knowing the symptoms of malaria; antimalarials are not routinely advised. There is still some risk. [UK malaria prevention guidance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/malaria-prevention-guidelines-for-travellers-from-the-uk-2026/country-recommendations)

The US CDC recommends preventive medication for malaria-transmission areas throughout India, including Rajasthan. Malarone is one of its recommended options. [CDC India advice](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india/)

Travelling in February doesn’t settle the decision. It also depends on where you’ll be staying, your accommodation, evening activities and medical history. For an otherwise healthy parent and teenager taking a typical sightseeing trip and staying in hotels, going without tablets would fit UK guidance. If you’ll be staying overnight in rural areas, camping, spending substantial time outdoors after dark or staying somewhere with limited access to medical care, discuss the trip with a travel-health clinician. [NaTHNaC India guidance](https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/105/India)

Under the UK approach, your son’s age of 14 doesn’t automatically mean he needs malaria tablets. If you choose Malarone, his dose depends on his weight: the usual adult dose applies above 40 kg, while lower weights require paediatric dosing. A prescriber should confirm the suitability and dose for each of you. Start preventive Malarone 1 to 2 days before entering the risk area, take it daily throughout your stay and continue for 7 days after leaving. Don’t wait until you’ve been bitten to start. [CDC medication guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/hcp/drug-malaria/)

Keep using DEET and covering up after dusk. Choose screened or air-conditioned rooms, or use an insecticide-treated bed net. If either of you develops a fever during the trip or within a year afterwards, seek urgent medical assessment and mention your travel to India, even if you took malaria tablets. [NaTHNaC guidance](https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/105/India)

Which towns are you visiting, and will you be staying overnight in rural areas or camping?