South Asia

Maldives (Republic of)

The Republic of Maldives consists of 1,190 islands (fewer than 200 are inhabited) located southwest of Sri Lanka, off the southern tip of India. The Maldives has a population of 270,000, of which about 70,000 reside in Male, the capital city. The only international airport is on the nearby island of Hulhule. Beautiful atolls inhabited by over 1,100 species of fish and other sea life attract thousands of visitors each year. Tourism facilities are well developed on the resort islands.

CRIME INFORMATION: The Maldives has a low crime rate.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: There are two main hospitals in Male: the government-owned Indira Ghandi Memorial Hospital (IGM) and the privately owned Abdurahman Don Kaleyfan Hospital (ADK). Both hospitals provide a relatively high standard of medical care, including general and orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery. ADK accepts most major credit cards and some foreign medical insurance packages. IGM accepts neither credit cards nor medical insurance.

Water- and foodborne diseases:

• Typhoid fever
• Brucellosis
• Cholora
• ETEC (E.coli)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis E
• Giardiasis
• Echinococcosis
• Amoebiasis

Other diseases:

• Hepatitis B
• Rabies

Vaccinations recommended

• Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
• Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
• Typhoid fever - vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region.
• Rabies - if risk for contact with wild or domestic animals
• A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Stay healthy:

• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans
• Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
• Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
• Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
• Do not travel at night
• Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful
• Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.

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Updated 28-Apr-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

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