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Many Australians are drawn to the challenge of this 96 km trail over the Owen Stanly ranges near Port Moresby in
Papua New Guinea. It marks the 1942 battleground between the advancing Japanese forces and Australian diggers in
WW2. Walking conditions are harsh due to extremely steep terrain, humdidity, rain, mud and remoteness. As a result,
the main health issues include dehydration, overhydration, exhaustion (including heat stroke), heart attacks, injuries,
tropical ulcers, blisters and fungal skin infections. Malaria carrying mosquitoes are also present.
The following information provides some broad and general guidelines about health risks and recommendations for
these destinations. This should not be taken as a substitute for personal consultation with a doctor with experience in
travel health.
Hydration Issues
Because of excessive sweating in humid conditions whilst trekking it is important to carry enough water and keep
adequately hydrated. However, some of the Australian deaths on the Kokoda track are thought to have been due to over
hydration with water only, which, when combined with excess sweating and salt loss, leads to salt depletion and swelling
of the brain. The solution is to drink to your thirst - your brain will tell you how much fluid you need. It's not a bad idea to
add one rehydration salt sachet to at least one drink per day.
Heat Exhaustion
This is a serious condition that can develop into heat stroke- a medical emergency. It occurs when excessive sweating in a
hot environment reduces the blood volume. Warning signs may include paleness and sweating, rapid heart rate, muscle
cramps (usually in the abdomen, arms or legs), headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or fainting. Get the person to a
cool area and lay them down. Remove outer clothing. Wet skin with cool water or wet cloths. Increase fluid intake if they
are fully conscious. Emergency evacuation may be necessary.
Traveller's Diarrhoea
This is the one most travellers to developing countries experience sooner or later, with watery diarrhoea and sometimes
vomiting. It is caused by bacteria, such as E.coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella and Shigella, Cholera and sometimes by other
bugs such as giardia. Careful food and drink choices (no tap water), as well as hand hygiene, help in prevention. Use water
sterilisation tablets in your water bottle or use a water bottle with a built in filter. Diarrhoea is treated with rehydration if
mild but if inconvenient, with a bowel stopper such as loperamide (Gastrostop or Imodium) and if more severe or
persistent with an antibiotic or giardia treatment. These are best obtained prior to travel. We stock gastro kits containing
all of these medications.
Malaria
This mosquito born parasite is extremely common in PNG. The mosquitoes usually bite between dusk and dawn.
Preventive medication should be taken. Mosquito bites should be avoided by covering up exposed skin in the evening and
applying DEET containing repellents. Sleeping accommodation should be mosquito proof e.g. in a mosquito proof tent or
in a lodge under impregnated mosquito netting. Even if all precautions are taken, any fever even up to a month or two
after leaving the area, is malaria until proven otherwise. Since the minimum incubation period for malaria is seven days,
symptoms often don't develop until after returning to Australia
Japanese Encephalitis
This mosquito born virus occurs mainly in rural areas - the exact rates are unknown because of the lack of reliable data
coming out of PNG. Vaccination is available
Other
Keep your passport in a waterproof bag or container. Only trek with a reputable company. Register your travel plans with
the Australian Government - www.orao.dfat.gov.au/orao. Check the security situation in PNG and on the track. Treat
wounds early with irrigation to remove dirt and apply antiseptic, keep dry and use antibiotics at earliest sign of infection.
Vaccinations
Routine Vaccinations for all travellers
All international travellers should be up to date or immune to the following as these are transmissable diseases which
may have serious complications:
In addition a tetanus booster if more than 5 since last vaccinated is advisable to avoid having to get a booster shot in PNG
in the event of a tetanus prone wound