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This website provides general tips, and links to sources of official advice. We cannot provide personal health advice. We urge you to seek health advice for your particular circumstances from a medical practitioner.
Main sources of official advice are the World Health Organisation, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the New Zealand Ministry of Health, and the New Zealand Accident Compensation Commission (ACC). Your medical practitioner should have access to other current sources of information.
There are seasonal outbreaks of dengue fever in North Queensland, Australia, in many parts of the Pacific (Cook Islands, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu), as well as countries in Asia (including India) and Latin/South America. Dengue fever is a serious viral disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
As there is no vaccine to protect against dengue fever, travellers to these regions are advised to use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and stay in lodgings where there are mosquito screens on windows and doors. If you feel unwell during your trip or in the first two weeks after your return, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice.
A small number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been reported amongst travellers recently returned to Australia from the Kuta region of Bali. Indonesian health authorities and the World Health Organisation are aware of the outbreak and are investigating possible sources.
New Zealand travellers who have recently returned from Bali and experience flu-like symptoms such as fever and a cough should seek health advice straight away by phoning their doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116 (Healthline operates 24/7).
For more information on Legionnaires’ disease (Legionellosis) see the World Health Organisation website [external link].
A cholera outbreak has recently spread through parts of Papua New Guinea (Morobe Province and Eastern Highlands). The disease has more recently been confirmed as present in Port Moresby.
Cholera is a diarrhoeal disease caused by a bacterial infection and can result in severe dehydration and possible death. There are vaccines available, however these do not provide 100% cover.
Travellers are advised to rigorously follow basic hygiene precautions, which include washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating or handling food; avoiding eating raw food and drinking only water that has been boiled or treated with chlorine.
For more information on Cholera see the World Health Organisation website [external link].
In late 2008 the Indonesian Government confirmed the presence of rabies on the island of Bali, Indonesia, currently affecting dogs. A number of people showing rabies like symptoms have died after being bitten by dogs. Rabies is a serious and life-threatening infection, most often spread through animal bites and scratches. Bali has traditionally been considered rabies free, but this outbreak means that anyone planning to travel to the island needs to be aware of this new risk. Travellers should discuss whether there is any need for a rabies vaccination with their doctor. Travellers to Bali should also be careful to avoid bites from dogs in particular, as well as from other animals such as monkeys. If someone is bitten they should seek immediate medical attention.
Forward planning and careful precautions can reduce the risks of health problems during your travel.
“Travellers are more likely to be killed or injured in accidents or through violence than to be struck down by an exotic infectious disease. Traffic accidents are the most frequent cause of death among travellers. Traffic accidents and violence are significant risks in many countries, particularly developing countries, where skilled medical care may not be readily available. Accidents and injuries also occur in other settings, particularly in recreational waters in association with swimming, diving, sailing and other activities. Travellers can reduce the possibility of incurring these risks through awareness of the dangers and by taking the appropriate precautions.” External link to WHO International travel and health publication.
Six to eight weeks before you travel, you should consult your doctor about:
Your doctor should be able to provide you with the advice you need for your particular circumstances, and provide you with up to date travel health advice based on official and unofficial sources.
Different countries have different rules on the types of medications you can bring with you into the country when you travel. If you need to take medications with you, you should check the regulations that apply in the country you are travelling to. To do this, contact the Embassy or High Commission of that country [external link].
If you are travelling with large quantities of medication, ask your doctor, dentist or pharmacist to give you a letter explaining why you are carrying the medication.
In some cases the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) may provide cover to New Zealanders, on their return to NZ, for treatment of injuries sustained while travelling on short trips overseas.
To qualify, the individual must be ordinarily resident in New Zealand.
ACC assistance is not available to cover any costs related to treatment overseas.
A full written medical report from the doctor, dentist or hospital detailing the incident and any treatment received overseas should be requested if an individual intends to put in a claim on return to new Zealand.
The ACC website provides information on eligibility and how to claim.
If a family member dies while travelling overseas as a result of an accident, you can make a claim to ACC. See Accidental Death [external link] for information on how ACC can help and how to make a claim.
If you have an accident or fall ill while you are overseas medical costs can be enormous.
You should ensure you have comprehensive medical insurance to cover medical costs overseas, as well as repatriation costs.
Make sure your insurance policy covers any activities you are planning to undertake because many policies exclude activities such as climbing and scuba diving.
You should also make sure you are covered for pre-existing conditions – whether physical or psychiatric – and, if necessary, purchase specific cover for these.
Talk to your insurance provider about the details of your policy before you travel.
New Zealand has reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom. For details on these visit:
Malaria occurs in many tropical and subtropical areas. It is present in large – but not all – areas of Central and South America, Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the South Pacific.
Dengue Fever occurs in most tropical countries of the South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean, the Americas and Africa.
Find out more from the World Health Organisation [external link] or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [external link].
Movement at altitudes over 3000 metres can produce problems for travellers not accustomed to such conditions. Anyone planning to travel at altitudes above 3000 metres should seek prior medical advice if they suffer from high blood pressure, a heart condition or respiratory problems, and seek immediate medical assistance if difficulties are experienced while travelling.
Some of the countries where travellers can be affected by altitude sickness are Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Nepal, China (Tibet).
Page last updated: Thursday, 17 November 2011, 23:16 NZDT
