Health risks
New Caledonia is a French overseas territory, consisting of the large island of New Caledonia and several smaller island groups, located in the South Pacific near Australia. New Caledonia's moderately-developed economy is based on mining. Tourist facilities are concentrated on the island of New Caledonia, but are also available in some of the smaller island groups.
CRIME INFORMATION: The crime rate in New Caledonia is low; however, petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching does occur.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical treatment on the main island is generally good, but is more limited on the remote outer islands. The Centre Hospitalier Territorial in Nouméa provides emergency and outpatient services, as does the smaller Centre Hospitalier Territorial in Koumac on the other side of the main island. Medical services in the remainder of the country are limited. Patients with more serious illnesses are often referred to Nouméa or to Australia for treatment.Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Arthropodborne diseases:
- Filariasis
- Dengue fever
We recommend:
- Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
- Usage of insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
- Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
- Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses
Water- and foodborne diseases:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid fever
- ETEC (E.coli)
- Travellers diarrhoea
Other diseases:
- Hepatitis B
Vaccinations we recommend:
- Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
- Hepatitis B or immune globulin (IG)
- Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals
- Typhoid fever - vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region.
- A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within the last 10 years.
Stay healthy:
- Wash hands often with soap and water.
- Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans
- Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
- Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
- Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
- Do not travel at night
- Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful
- Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
- Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
Compulsory vaccinations: yellow fever certificate if arriving from infected areas. Exempt infants under 1 year Note: in the event of an epidemic threat, a specific vaccination certificate may be required.
Recommended immunisations: *diphtheria, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, *polio, *TB, tetanus, typhoid * recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month.
Blood transfusion & tissue transplantation risk according to UK BTS:
- Malaria: No
- Trypanasoma Cruzi Risk: No
- Sub Saharan Africa: No
- West Nile Virus Risk: No
- Chikungunya Virus Risk: No
Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations and malaria situation in New Caledonia
HIV Risk
Check travelers health risks by CDC before, after and while traveling to New Caledonia and prevention before arrival at New Caledonia