Asia and Oceania

There are confirmed human cases of the A (H1N1) virus (Swine Flu) in New Zealand.  You can check for updates on the number of cases and their location through New Zealand's Ministry of Health Swine Flu update site:  http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/mexican-swine-influenza-update-270409.  You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. New Zealand’s national health authorities are monitoring passengers from incoming flights originating in North America and screening any travellers who have recently been in Mexico or the United States. Any persons exhibiting flu-like symptoms are being diagnosed and offered advice and opportunities for isolation and treatment. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.  

State medical facilities in New Zealand are excellent and there is a stronger emphasis on preventative medicine than in the UK. Standards of hospital, medical and dental treatment in New Zealand are comparable to those in the UK. There is a reciprocal agreement between Britain and New Zealand to enable citizens of either country to enjoy (subject to certain conditions) the benefits of the National Health Services of the other country if permanently or temporarily resident.

Due to its southerly position, the ozone layer over New Zealand is thinner than elsewhere and burn times are shorter than in the UK.  During the summer, hats should be worn when outdoors and a high factor sun block applied.

Research has shown that asthma sufferers may be more at risk of an attack in New Zealand and sufferers should be suitably prepared.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 1,400 adults aged 15 or over in New Zealand were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see the HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to New Zealand and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for New Zealand.

For further information on endemic diseases, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements, health outbreaks for New Zealand you should check the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel.

 

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