Pacific

Papua New Guinea

CRIME: While most visits to Papua New Guinea are trouble-free, the country has a high crime rate. Numerous visitors have been victims of violent crime in recent years, and they have sometimes suffered severe injuries. Carjackings, armed robberies, and stoning of vehicles are problems in Port Moresby, Lae and Mount Hagen.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities in Papua New Guinea vary from hospitals in Port Moresby and the larger towns to aid posts (including some missionary stations) in remote areas. Medical facilities vary in quality, but those in the larger towns are usually adequate for routine problems and some emergencies. Equipment failures and sudden shortages of common medications can mean, however, that even routine treatments and procedures (such as X-rays) may become unavailable. A hyperbaric recompression chamber for diving emergencies is available in Port Moresby. Pharmacies in Papua New Guinea are small and may be inadequately stocked. They are found only in urban centers and at missionary clinics. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical services.

Medical conditions arising as a result of diving accidents will almost always require medical evacuation to Australia, where more sophisticated facilities are available. The most commonly used facilities are in Brisbane and Cairns, both in the Australian state of Queensland.

Arthropodborne diseases:

• Malaria below 1800 m.
• 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.
• Use mefloquine as malaria prophylaxis in risk areas

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Updated 21-Jul-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

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