Risk / Health Info for Papua New Guinea

What shots do you need for Papua New Guinea? Our advisers can put together a travel health regime that meets all your needs.

Travellers should take precautions against bug bites, to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses including Zika, dengue fever and malaria. Women who may be pregnant or might be considering getting pregnant should avoid travelling to Papua New Guinea.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis has reached alarming levels in Papua New Guinea, with approximately 30,000 people newly infected in 2015.

Medical care is limited outside of Port Moresby and shortages of basic medical supplies are common. There tend to be long delays for emergency services. Medical evacuation to Australia may be necessary for serious illnesses or accidents.

To avoid “travellers’ diarrhea” and other gastrointestinal illnesses in Papua New Guinea, drink commercially bottled water. Avoid using ice cubes, and remember to avoid eating food that you can’t peel, cook or boil. Cholera is a risk in certain parts of Papua New Guinea, and there is a shot available for it.

You will also need travel insurance to make sure you are covered for any medical costs, so check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Altitude in Papua New Guinea

Parts of Papua New Guinea are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in Papua New Guinea

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Papua New Guinea. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Papua New Guinea

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Papua New Guinea at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Zika in Papua New Guinea

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Papua New Guinea. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Papua New Guinea. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.

Chikungunya virus in Papua New Guinea

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Papua New Guinea. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.