Travel Destination - Papua New Guinea
Travel Destination – Papua New Guinea
With spectacular mountain scenery, tropical beaches and historic sites, hiking the Kokoda Trail is not the only reason to travel to Papua New Guinea. Whether you plan to trek, visit a local village or take in some history, it is worth knowing the health risks and taking a few simple precautions to avoid them.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
It’s a good idea to discuss your trip with a travel doctor. They will provide a detailed travel health plan tailored to your specific itinerary within Papua New Guinea. Your doctor will also discuss your immunisations, provide scripts for the vaccines you decide on and check that you have prescriptions for anti-malarials and any other recommended medications. Ideally, book your appointment at least six to eight weeks before you travel, so that if you need multiple vaccinations these can be spaced out. With less time before you travel it is still worth seeing a travel doctor, as accelerated schedules of some vaccinations can be arranged.
Insect avoidance
Malaria, dengue and Japanese encephalitis are some examples of the many diseases carried by mosquitoes in Papua New Guinea. Avoiding insect bites is one of the key preventive measures for this group of infections. Strategies include sleeping in air-conditioned rooms or spaces with fly screens (and where this is not possible, under permethrin treated mosquito nets), wearing long sleeves and long pants when outside, and using insecticides containing DEET, picaridin or OLE. Mosquito coils and electrical vaporising mats can also be useful on verandas and other outdoor spaces.
Food and water hygiene
By using a few simple precautions, it is still possible to enjoy the local food while minimising your risk of gastroenteritis and other gastrointestinal infections. Always wash your hands or use antiseptic hand gel prior to eating. Avoid raw, undercooked or reheated food. Street food is safest when it has been cooked in front of you and fruits and vegetables are best when they can be peeled before consuming, like bananas and mangoes. Drink only boiled, filtered or bottled water and avoid untreated tap water and ice made from it.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Papua New Guinea?
Hepatitis A
+
Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection of the liver acquired by ingesting contaminated food or water. Illness varies in severity and can occasionally be severe and life threatening. While the prevalence in most Australian communities is low, the virus is more common in the Asia-Pacific region. People who haven’t previously received a two-dose course of Hepatitis A vaccination are recommended to be immunised prior to travel to Papua New Guinea.
Typhoid
+
Typhoid is a systemic bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi. Contracted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, it causes high fevers, fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal upset. A vaccine is available which provides three years of protection. This may be recommended by your doctor, particularly if you will be staying for a prolonged period or eating street food.
Hepatitis B
+
The hepatitis B virus can cause long-term infection of the liver. It is transmitted through sexual contact and sharing of personal items like shaving razors. Infections can vary in severity and may require prolonged courses of antiviral medication. Hepatitis B vaccination is now a part of the routine vaccination schedule in Australia and is recommended for travellers who have not had it previously and will be making frequent trips or spending prolonged periods in Papua New Guinea.
Japanese encephalitis virus
+
For most people who contract Japanese encephalitis virus, the illness is mild and many do not even notice they have been infected. For a small number, however, it leads to life-threatening infection of the brain requiring admission to an intensive care unit. Prevention involves avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly at dusk and night-time. A vaccine is available and your doctor may recommend this depending on your length of stay and travel to rural areas.
Routine vaccinations
+
In Australia, the transmission of many common infections are kept at very low levels through widespread routine immunisation. This is not always the case in other countries, and rates of infections such as polio may be much higher than at home. The lead up to overseas trips is a good time to review your routine vaccinations and get boosters where you need them. These will include individual immunisations against influenza, COVID-19, measles, tetanus, polio and other conditions.
Papua New Guinea
Other health risks in Papua New Guinea
Malaria
+
Malaria is a parasitic infection of the liver and red blood cells which causes high fevers, fatigue and muscle aches. In its most severe form, it can cause severe anaemia and brain infection which are rapidly life-threatening. Prevention involves mosquito avoidance, particularly at night, and taking preventive anti-malarial tablets if you are travelling to an area where malaria is known to occur. Anti-malarial tablets are required for all areas in Papua New Guinea below 2000 metres in altitude.
Gastroenteritis
+
Gastroenteritis or traveller's diarrhoea is usually caused by bacteria ingested in contaminated food or water. Bacteria commonly responsible include Campylobacter, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella. In cases of bacterial infection, symptoms typically begin within 24 to 72 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
The most important aspect of treatment is maintenance of adequate hydration. This can be achieved with oral rehydration solutions which replaces fluid and salts. Antibiotics are usually reserved for cases of severe or pronged infection or when the patient has risk factors for complications.
The illness usually resolves on its own in one to three days. Medical attention is required, when symptoms are not typical, when they are prolonged or severe, or at any time when it is not possible to replace fluids faster than they are being lost. Prevention revolves around good hand hygiene before eating and avoidance of high-risk foods and drinks.
Dengue
+
Dengue fever is a common infection among Australian travellers. Transmitted by mosquitoes, the dengue fever virus causes fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pains, and rash. The first time they are infected, most people recover in one to two weeks. When more severe forms of dengue fever occur, it is usually in the context of repeat infection. In these cases, complications of bleeding and dangerously low blood pressure can occur which may be fatal without appropriate treatment.
While a vaccine for dengue is available, it is usually reserved for those with a history of dengue infection and others going to dengue endemic areas to live. It can be considered on a case-by-case basis for short-term travellers. For most Australians, prevention generally relies on mosquito avoidance. Mosquitoes transmitting dengue fever virus are more common in urban areas and tend to bite during the day.
Zika virus
+
Zika virus is present in the Papua New Guinea. It is spread by daytime-biting mosquitoes and most people who are infected experience only mild symptoms, or none at all. Symptoms may include low-grade fever, rash, and joint pain.
Zika poses a serious risk during pregnancy, with infection linked to microcephaly (small head size) and other significant birth defects in unborn babies. Zika can also be transmitted sexually, in addition to through mosquito bites, and from mother to foetus during pregnancy. Pregnant travellers, or those planning to become pregnant, should seek specialist advice from a travel doctor at the very early planning stages of a trip to Papua New Guinea.
All travellers should follow Australian health guidelines regarding prevention of sexual transmission after returning from a Zika-risk area, even if they did not experience symptoms during travel. Men are advised to use condoms for a period of 3 months after travel and for women this figure is 2 months.
Tuberculosis
+
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sings. It most commonly affects the lungs and can cause symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.
Papua New Guinea is classified by the World Health Organization as a high-burden TB country, with transmission occurring throughout the population. Reported case rates are highest in areas where population density and crowded living conditions can facilitate the spread of infection.
For most short-term travellers, the risk of acquiring TB is low. However, the risk increases for those spending extended periods in the country, working in healthcare or community settings, or living in close contact with local populations. Travellers in these higher-risk groups should discuss the need for TB screening before and after travel with their doctor.
Anyone who develops a persistent cough, unexplained fever, or other symptoms suggestive of TB after returning from Papua New Guinea should seek medical assessment promptly and ensure their travel history is disclosed.
Non-infectious conditions
Crime and civil unrest
+
Rates of violent crime in Papua New Guinea are higher than those in Australia and the political situation can be volatile. Up to date information and travel advisories from the Australian government can be found on the Smartraveller website. All travellers should be aware of these risks before embarking for Papua New Guinea.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
+
Part of travelling is trying new activities and going on new adventures. But before setting out, it is wise to know the risks and take measures to reduce them. When contemplating motorbiking overseas ensure you have the necessary skills to ride, be aware of the road rules and always wear a helmet. For other road transport options, choose alternatives with functioning seatbelts. If unfamiliar with hiking, wear boots which are already worn in, use sunscreen and insect repellent, pack light and stay within your limits when choosing your route. Regardless of what you are planning, it is a good idea to have travel insurance which covers the cost of medical repatriation.
Altitude sickness
+
Altitude illness is a significant health consideration in Papua New Guinea, particularly for the Mt Wilhelm trek which reaches 4,500 metres. At this altitude, reduced oxygen levels can lead to acute mountain sickness (AMS). Symptoms of AMS include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and reduced appetite, and typically develop within hours to days of ascent.
While mild cases often improve with rest and acclimatisation, more serious conditions can occur known as high altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) and high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE). HACE involves swelling of the brain and may present with severe headache, confusion, loss of coordination, or altered consciousness. HAPE affects the lungs, leading to breathlessness at rest, cough, and reduced exercise tolerance. Both conditions can develop rapidly and are life-threatening if not treated promptly. Immediate descent to a lower altitude and urgent medical care are essential if either condition is suspected.
Prevention relies on gradual ascent, allowing time for acclimatisation, and avoiding rapid increases in sleeping altitude. Travellers should be familiar with early symptoms and prepared to stop ascending or descend if symptoms worsen. A travel doctor may recommend preventive or treatment medications depending on the itinerary.
Deep vein thrombosis
+
Prolonged air, road and rail travel all carry with them the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This involves a solidifying of blood inside a blood vessel, caused by relative stasis in the flow of blood. Prevention involves getting up to move around at regular intervals during a long trip, staying well hydrated and, for those at risk of DVT, below-knee compression stockings can be worn. DVT is usually treated with blood-thinning medication.