Beautiful tropical Vanuatu has plenty to offer travelers, but how do you stay healthy while exploring this paradise. Here are our tips to avoid illness and other health concerns.
Medical Care
If you do require medical treatment Hospital and medical facilities in Vanuatu are limited and very expensive. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for their services. In the event of a serious illness or accident (including diving-related injuries), medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities would be necessary. Also, there is only one hyperbaric chamber in Vanuatu, located in Port Vila. Many of the popular dive sites are located on other islands and it may take several hours to reach facilities in the event of an accident. It is recommended that you get the following vaccinations before travelling to Vanuatu: Hep A Hep B Typhoid (for longer term travellers) Up to date Tetanus-Diptheria, Measles Mumps & Rubella
Health & Disease in Vanuatu
Sunburn and dehydration are obvious health issues in the tropics always wear sunscreen a hat sunglasses try to stay out of sun during main heat day between 11am and 2pm also drink plenty of water hydrated anything with an umbrella fruit it doesn't really count
As in any tropical areas, small sores or cuts can easily become infected if not given proper care. Coral cuts in particular can be dangerous as they can quickly become infected. If you do suffer a coral cut a squeeze of lime or lemon can be a good natural antiseptic or contact your accommodation provider for some hydrogen peroxide or antiseptic. Any cuts or abrasions should be left open and not covered with sticking plasters.
As in any tropical area the risk of malaria and other mosquito-borne disease including Dengue Fever is quite high. As always prevention is the best cure, wear an insect repellant at all times and use an insect net over your bedding if you accommodation doesn't have air-conditioning or insect screens.
Seafood Poisoning
Another danger to be aware of in the tropics is the risk of Ciguatera poisoning from warm water or reef fish.The symptoms of Ciguatera poisoning include:
- tingling and numbness in fingers, toes, around lips, tongue, mouth and throat
- burning sensation or skin pain on contact with cold water joint and muscle pains with muscular weakness
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and/or abdominal cramps
- headache, fatigue and fainting
- extreme itchiness, often worsened by drinking alcohol
- difficulty breathing in severe cases.
Fish that feed in warm ocean waters are potential carriers of ciguatera toxin. Problems are encountered with many fish species including coral trout, Spanish mackerel, red emperor, wrasse, reef cod, sturgeon fish, trevally and kingfish. At present, there is no effective treatment or antidote for ciguatera poisoning. But you should always seek medical care if you suspect you are suffering from ciguatera poisoning. The foolproof way to avoid poisoning is to avoid eating any and all reef fish.
There are no real threats from land creatures in Vanuatu - no snakes, spiders or insects to be wary of. But as well as ciguatera poisoning there are a few risks posed by swimming creatures, including being bitten by a sea snake or stung by a stonefish and there are even saltwater crocodiles to be aware of. But the likelihood of an attack from any of these is nominal at best.
The only real threat on the land is from the large wild dog population in Port Vila, these have sometimes been known to attack small children, so avoid them.
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