Asia and Oceania

Health facilities are basic in Tonga.  The range of drugs available is limited and modern equipment is in short supply. Medical evacuation from Tonga is required for most non-basic medical problems.  You should therefore ensure that your policy covers you for medical evacuation by air ambulance.

 

There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Tonga. 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. You should monitor local media reports for any further developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu is available on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.

 

Dengue occurs in Tonga, with an increase in cases reported in 2008; 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.

 

A valid Yellow Fever certificate is required by all travellers over one year old who have been in an infected area prior to arrival in Tonga.

 

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 Tonga 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) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

 

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