Fevers

Some illness may present after returning home.

• Malaria. The usual incubation period is 7 - 30 days, but this can be delayed by months if the trekker has taken antimalarial tablets for prophylaxis. The symptoms of malaria are fevers, chills, headaches, vomiting and generalised aches and pains. Trekkers should seek medical attention if any of these symptoms develop in the 12 months subsequent to returning home.
• Dengue Fever. Another mosquito-borne illness with an incubation of 3 - 14 days, most often less than 7 days. It is characterised by fever, joint pains, headache and rash. A small proportion of people progress to the more serious form of the illness, Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever.
• Typhoid Fever. Typical incubation is 5 - 21 days. Presents with fever, nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea (or constipation). The disease may still occur in those who have been immunised.

All the possible rare illnesses are too numerous to mention here. Remember to inform your doctor about your recent travel to Papua New Guinea if you become unwell after the trip.