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 _________________________________________________________________ Join the world’s largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com