The Travel Doctor
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Fiji After the Deluge
Wednesday, 21 January, 2009
Despite the inconveniences and delays caused by the recent severe floods in the areas near Nadi Airport Fiji is still a relatively safe destination from the health point of view. On the Coral Coast and offshore island resorts the rainy season extends from October to April and while some flooding does occur this year’s has been a one-in-ten-year event. Reports are that the Nadi water supply is rapidly being restored and supplies in resorts should be safe within days. Nevertheless visitors must take precautions until assured by the appropriate hotel or resort management; when in doubt drink only water that has been boiled or treated with water purifying tablets. This would apply also when visiting villages. Diarrhoeal diseases can occur but are usually not very common amongst tourists. Medical services are good, but anti-diarrhoeal medication as included in one of our packs is a good safety measure for adults and older children. Young children need fluid and electrolyte replacement but medical consultation should be sought if there is no improvement. Immunisation against Hepatitis A and Typhoid fever – both problems being related to contaminated food or water – is strongly recommended.
Dengue fever is a constant hazard during the rainy months and with much water standing around after the floods mosquito breeding will be even greater than usual. Use insect repellants containing DEET or Picaridin extensively for adults as well as for children. Lower strength ‘paediatric’ insect repellants will not work as well nor last as long as the higher strengths and are safe to use in toddlers. There is no malaria on Fiji.
