Pacific

Marshall Islands

The Republic of the Marshall Islands consists of two chains of coral atolls in the Central Pacific with a total area of approximately 705 square miles. The Republic of the Marshall Islands is a parliamentary democracy, constitutionally in free association with the United States of America. It has a developing agrarian and service-oriented economy. Tourist facilities are not widely available, but they are adequate. Hotels exist in the capital of Majuro and on Ebeye, the country's second most populous island. Water shortages are common.

CRIME : The Republic of the Marshall Islands has a relatively low, but increasing crime rate. Most common crimes are break-ins and thefts from homes, hotel rooms and vehicles. Random acts of vandalism are also on the rise.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Health facilities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands are adequate for routine medical problems, but they are available only on Majuro and Ebeye. Majuro has a private clinic and a public hospital. Ebeye has a public hospital. Most outer islands have medical dispensaries. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Arthropodborne diseases:

• Filariasis
• Dengue fever

We recommend:

• Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
• Usage of insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
• Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
• Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses

Water- and foodborne diseases:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid fever
• ETEC (E.coli)
• Travellers diarrhoea

Other diseases:

• Hepatitis B

Vaccinations we recommend:

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
• Hepatitis B or immune globulin (IG)
• Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals
• Typhoid fever - vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region.
• A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within the 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 21-Jul-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

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