Hi Ellen,

For once, as an archaeologist working in the Pacific, I feel I have
something to contribute to discussions! I spent 2 months in Papua New Guinea
earlier this year, many days travel from the closest medical help, so have
had a crash course on what to do and take.  I do not not whether there are
equivalents in the USA, (though there would surely have to be) but I visited
the Travel Medical Doctors in Australia who specialize in vaccinating and
kitting out travellers such as myself.  It entirely depends how remote you
intend to be in terms of what to take with you, so the situation with local
medical facilities is definitely worth investigating.  Lonely Planet guides
will give a run-down of medical facilities available in all major Pacific
Island groups (Fiji has its own Lonely Planet Guide).
    Fiji is not malarial but dengue is indeed a problem. Deet is good as an
insect repellent and you shouldn't really have to treat your clothes with
anything else.  If your accommodation is not air-conditioned then you will
need a mosquito net, though the dengue mosquitos tend to be more active by
day, so don't assume that your safe in the heat of the day.  Shots you
should definitely have are Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and a tetanus
booster.  These should be recorded in an international vaccination
certificate.  You should also carry a medical kit with you at all times with
with plasters, bandages etc as well as rehydration fluid, stuff for
diahorrea and constipation, giardia treatment and, if you can,
broad-spectrum antibiotic.  Antibiotic ointment is also good to carry for
cuts that infect with incredible speed in the tropics.  If you are fairly
remote or staying in a village rather than a resort, take extra supplies as
you may end up doctoring the village (I had to treat the victim of a shark
attack out of my first aid kit in Papua New Guinea)!!!
   Be careful about drinking water, though this is often easier said than
done. A good rule of thumb is to do what the locals do, and if in doubt, ask
them.
  Travelling in the Pacific is an incredibly rewarding experience, so don't
be too freaked out by all the scary information that gets bandied around.
Find a travel doctor/medical centre and arm yourself with information and
common sense.

Good luck,
Kath Szabo




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