Outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses (including dengue fever and filariasis) are common, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We recommend you take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent, wearing long, light coloured, loose-fitting clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof. For further information see the World Health Organization's
dengue fever factsheet.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including typhoid, hepatitis, leptospirosis, tuberculosis, measles and mumps) are common, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. Fijian authorities have recently reported cases of typhoid in Suva and throughout the country. We recommend that you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes, raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
Cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have recently been reported in Suva . HFMD mostly affects children under the age of 10 years but adult cases (particularly young adults) are not unusual. The illness is characterised by fever as well as blisters and rashes on the hands, feet and buttocks. HFMD is spread by direct contact with nose and throat discharges and faeces of infected people. Normal hygiene precautions should be taken including careful and frequent hand washing.
Ciguatera poisoning from eating reef fish can be a hazard.
