TRAVELERS HEALTH ALERT
For International Travelers
Arriving to Palau
Purpose:
The following information addresses health and safety concerns for international travelers to Palau regarding recent outbreak of Dengue Fever in the island. The following recommendations are intended to guide our visiting Guests who are planning to travel to Palau.
Reports:
On September 02, 2008, The Bureau of Public Health Services, Ministry of Health officially declared of an outbreak of Dengue Fever in the Republic of Palau with 45 confirmed cases for the month of August 2008.
The National Avian/Pandemic Influenza/Emerging/Re-emerging Diseases Advisory & Coordinating Team (Multi-Agency Taskforce) convened and have launched a national campaign, including extensive public education and nation-wide clean up efforts to get rid of dengue mosquito breeding areas in all States in Palau. The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) is working closely with the Multi-Agency Taskforce to coordinate with Rubekul Belau (Council of Chiefs), Mechesil Belau (Traditional Women Leaders), and the Governors’ Association and have combined their joint efforts to prevent the outbreak from becoming more wide-spread. CLICK HERE TO VIEW OFFICIAL STATEMENT
TO THE TRAVELER:
Dengue Fever is a viral disease found in most tropical and subtropical areas of the world and transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, usually Aedes aegypti.
Because Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, especially during early morning hours before daybreak and in the late afternoon before dark, be sure to take every precaution to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
The Best Way to Prevent Infection When Outdoor is:
1). Use mosquito repellant ointments or spray such as “OFF” at all the times when going out.
There are local convenient and departmental stores on island that sell such products so travelers to Palau do not need to worry about bringing their personal anti-insect/mosquito spray or ointments.
2). Dress in protective clothing--- light (cool) long-sleeved shirts clothing, long pants, socks, and shoes and applying insect repellant to clothing.
When Indoors:
1). Keeping unscreened doors and windows closed
2). Keeping window and door screens repaired
3). If entering empty rooms left with open windows and doors, first close all windows and spray insect/mosquito repellent into the room, step out and close the room door and wait outside for few minutes before entering.
Symptoms:
Please pay close attention to your health during your stay. Most patients report a nonspecific viral syndrome or a flu-like illness.
Dengue symptoms usually start with fever within 4 to 7 days after you have been bitten by an infected mosquito and include
- High fever, up to 105ºF
- Severe headache
- Retro-orbital (behind the eye) pain
- Severe joint and muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash
Online Reference:
Palau Visitors Authority understands this challenging issue may cause for hesitation to travel to Palau and that we are working closely with other Government Agencies and Belau Tourism Association to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay in Palau. Your understanding and adherence to the preventive safety measures is appreciated as we share this information to protect your safety and the safety of our community.
Thank you for choosing Palau as your Choice Travel Destination.
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