Fiji's Ancient Seafarers Dr. Patrick D. Nunn - Earthwatch Institute

11. HEALTH INFORMATION
See www.internationalsos.com for information on the current health conditions in Fiji. At the homepage, enter
Earthwatch’s member identification number: 14ACPA000075. Under “Select Resource” choose “English Country
Guide,” and then select Fiji from the list.
Routine Immunizations
All volunteers should make sure to have the following up-to-date immunizations: DPT (diphtheria, pertussis,
tetanus), polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (if you have not already had chicken pox). Please
be sure your tetanus shot is current.
Project Inoculations
The following are recommendations only. Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer. Note that
health conditions around the world are constantly changing, so keep informed and consult your physician, a local
travel health clinic, the US Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov), the World Health Organization
(www.who.int), International SOS (see above), and/or the resources in Section 17 ‘Helpful Resources’ for the latest
health information for travelers. Please consult your physician for guidance on inoculations if you intend to travel
to other parts of the country.
Typhoid
Hepatitis A These inoculations are recommended for health reasons.
Hepatitis B
Yellow Fever A vaccination certificate is required from travelers over a year of age entering Fiji within 10
days of an overnight or longer stay in an infected area. Otherwise inoculation is not necessary.
Other Advice / Information
• Dengue fever: Dengue fever is a flu-like virus spread primarily by day-biting mosquitoes. It is characterized by
fever, headache, rash, vomiting and severe muscle pains. There is no vaccine and mosquito bites should be
avoided whenever possible. Insect repellent and long sleeves and pants are highly recommended. There is no
treatment for standard dengue fever other than acetaminophen (avoid aspirin), fluids and rest. It is usually
resolved after about two weeks. However, hemorrhagic dengue fever, characterized by bleeding and shock,
can occasionally occur and requires medical care.
• Traveler’s diarrhea: Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. It usually occurs within the
first week away from home and affects 20-50% of all those who go abroad. Travelers are especially likely to
become ill at high-risk destinations such as developing nations; the risk in Fiji is considered moderate.
Traveler’s diarrhea is mainly caused by the bacterium E coli, which is spread through contaminated food and
water. Other bacteria, especially salmonella, shigella and campylobacter, account for an additional 5-30% of
all cases. Viruses, such as rotavirus and clacivirus, and parasites are other common causes. Choosing safe
food and water will reduce the risk of developing the disease. It is important to treat traveler’s diarrhea by
replacing lost fluids. Continuously sip clear fluids such as water, soft drinks or weak tea. Avoid dairy
products, alcohol and coffee. Most cases of traveler’s diarrhea will resolve in one or two days. Occasionally,
intravenous rehydration is required, especially if there has been significant vomiting or
extreme diarrhea.Medical attention should be sought if there is no improvement after 24-36 hours or if the
patient develops fever, bloody stools or becomes lightheaded or dizzy.
• Tuberculosis: The WHO estimates that one-third of the world’s population is infected with the bacterium
(M.tuberculosis) that causes tuberculosis (TB). Incidence of tuberculosis is higher in developing countries,
particularly in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. In general, approximately 10% of persons
infected with M. tuberculosis are at risk for developing active TB during their lifetimes. TB is considered
highly treatable with medications that are of relatively low toxicity and cost. Volunteers returning from
developing countries are encouraged to have a (PPD)-tuberculin skin-test to screen for potential infection.
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