Asia and Oceania

Health care facilities are adequate for routine medical treatment, but are limited in range and availability. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation to Australia, New Zealand or Hawaii is likely to be the only option for treatment, and you should ensure that your insurance policy covers this.

In July 2009 an outbreak of brucellosis was confirmed in the Wainivesi dairy farming area near Suva.  Public are advised to avoid any unnecessary visits to the area and use only pasteurised milk.

Dengue occurs in Fiji. Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccination against dengue, but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website.

Outbreaks of typhoid fever and other diarrhoeal illnesses can occur in Fiji. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Fiji you should seek immediate medical attention.

Leptospirosis can also occur in Fiji, caused by exposure to several types of the Leptospira bacteria, which can be found in fresh water contaminated by animal urine.  The recent flooding has resulted in an increased risk of Leptospirosis.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Fiji and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre NaTHNaC or NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health. For food/drink hygiene see Eat and drink Safely.

Swine Flu

There have been confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) -Swine Flu in Fiji. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The World Health Organisation website has further details. You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice. Travellers are also advised to check for updates on the British High Commission website and the Fijian Ministry of Health website before travelling.  There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website.  Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health
website.