Christmas Island : Travel Health

WARNING! This information is out-dated and likely to be inaccurate!

Researching Travel Plans

Please note that this health information about Christmas Island may be out-of-date. Always research the current health conditions and issues in any region you plan to visit prior to departure.

Infectious Diseases and Medical Concerns for Christmas Island

The following medical diseases or health concerns are more common in travel to Christmas Island (compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World):

• travelers’ diarrhea
• cholera
• Escherichia coli diarrhea
• hepatitis A
• schistosomiasis - found in fresh water
• typhoid fever
• Insect born diseases
• parasitic diseases
• Dengue fever
• filariasis
• Ross River virus
• Murray Valley encephalitis
• plague - risk for travelers is small
• toxoplasmosis
• HIV
• AIDS
• hepatitis B

More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for Christmas Island

The following health concerns or diseases are more commonly found in Christmas Island compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• motor vehicle trauma - wear seatbelts and avoid night driving
• corals
• jellyfish and sea snakes may cause injury in marine waters
• sharks may cause injury in marine waters

Uncommon or Rare Diseases and Medical Concerns for Christmas Island

These medical diseases or health concerns are uncommon or rare in Christmas Island:

• yellow fever - although vaccination certificate may be necessary
• malaria - no current risk

Vaccinations for Travel to Christmas Island

The following medical vaccinations are desirable or helpful for travel to Christmas Island to prevent contagious diseases in Christmas Island:

• hepatitis A - or immune globulin (IG)
• hepatitis B if not already vaccinated
• rabies - if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
• typhoid
• tetanus - booster dose as needed, diphtheria - booster dose as needed, measles - booster dose as needed

Preventions or Health Precautions for Travel to Christmas Island

Any health risk of travel to Christmas Island may be reduced by the following precautionary health measures when visiting Christmas Island:

• high rate of motor vehicle trauma - avoid night driving and wear seatbelts
• mosquito bite prevention
• insect bite protection
• avoid drinking non-treated water - only drink bottled or canned water
• eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself
• to prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
• always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• don’t eat food purchased from street vendors
• don’t drink beverages with ice
• don’t share needles with anyone
• don’t handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague - risk for travelers is small)
• don’t swim in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer

Other Relevant Issues for Travel to Christmas Island

The following may be issues relevant to travel to Christmas Island:

• adequate medical care is available in small hospitals