Fiji
Dental care is available on a limited basis in Fiji
Some international medication is available from the larger pharmacies in the larger towns.
Blood supplies are considered safe and screened to international standards
Health care facilities in Fiji are barely adequate for routine medical problems. Two major hospitals, the Lautoka Hospital in the city of Lautoka, and the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, the capital, provide emergency and outpatient services. Other hospitals and clinics provide only a limited range of health services. Medical emergencies may be referred to Australia, New Zealand or the United States.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary.
Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors.
Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be free from pollution. Wear clothing which reduces exposed skin and apply repellents containing DEET to remaining areas. Sleep in well-screened accommodations. Carry anti-diarrheal medication. Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection.
AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured.
Hazards to bathers include corals and jellyfish, poisonous fish, and sea snakes.
The U.S. Transportation Department reports that the passenger cabins of aircraft destined for Fiji are treated with a residual pesticide before passengers board.
Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions.
Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population).
Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type.
Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Sanitation in Suva is good by developing world standards. The general health of the population is also good. In general, infectious disease rates are low.
Insect-borne illness:
Dengue fever - occurs
Dengue hemorrhagic fever - occurs
Filariasis - prevalent
Food-borne and water-borne illness: diseases such as the diarrheal diseases, the typhoid fevers and helminthic infections are common. Biointoxication may occur from raw or cooked fish and shellfish.
Other hazards:
High levels of immunization coverage have reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles and diphtheria.
Influenza risk extends throughout the year.
Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age entering Fiji within 10 days of having stayed overnight or longer in infected areas.
