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The Kokoda Track has gained increasing popularity for Australian travellers over the last decade. However, as more individuals undergo the difficult trek there has been an increase in the number of people who develop medical complications associated with strenuous exercise. Six trekkers have died on the Kokoda trail since 2006 including four last year, with the cause of death being unknown.
In 2006 and 2008 there were two reports of healthy trekkers becoming ill because of extremely low salt levels in their blood. Low salt levels occur because individuals drink too much water while exercising. This can lead to serious illness and even death if left untreated.
Currently, we do not know whether low salt levels are rare or whether a large number of trekkers experience this medical complication. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the number of individuals on the Kokoda track who develop low salt levels.
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Medical Assessment
There is no medical test that can guarantee your safety while trekking in Papua New Guinea. However, we believe there are steps you can take to minimise the risk.
All trekkers should be examined by their local doctor and have an electocardograph (ECG) performed. We recommend that all trekkers over the age of 40 have an exercise stress echocardiogram prior to commencement of training. Those with risk factors such as obesity, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or strong family history of cardiac disease should have an exercise stress echocardiogram if over the age of 30. Trekkers with known cardiac disease should see their cardiologist and have a stress echocardiogram or myocardial perfusion study prior to commencement of training. Trekkers with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of greater than 35 probably shouldn't be trekking in a remote mountainous jungle.
Download an assessment form for your doctor.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 February 2010 16:08 |
Personal medical kit
Malaria prophylaxis
Ibuprofen or similar anti-inflammatories
Antibiotics – We recommend cephalexin (for wound infections, urinary tract infections) and ciprofloxacin (for diarrhoea)
Antihistamine – for allergies, insect bites/stings
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 29 September 2009 19:58 |
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Malaria in PNG
Malaria is a significant problem throughout PNG and is a major risk in the major cities and also in the more remote jungle regions. Whilst it was once thought that it was too cold in the PNG highlands for the malaria transmitting mosquitos to breed, this is definitely not true. The plasmodium falciparum species is responsible for more than 85% of malaria cases in PNG however both plasmodium vivax and plasmodium malariae species are also occasionally reported. The mosquito that transmits malaria is small and frequently not noticed when biting.
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Last Updated on Sunday, 30 August 2009 22:06 |
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Immunisations
Current recommendations are for immunisation against
A combination Typhoid/Hepatitis A vaccine (Vivaxim) is available. This should be given at least 14 days (preferably one month) prior to risk of exposure. A booster is required for Hepatitis A after 6 - 12 months which will provide immunity for up to 10 years. A Typhoid booster is required every 3 years.
The current Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends that short term travellers should consider JE vaccination if there is "considerable outdoor activity". To date, no Australian trekkers in PNG have been diagnosed with Japanese Encephalitis. A new vaccine (Jespect) was released in Australia in 2009 which has less side effects than the older vaccine. So, on balance, trekkers to PNG probably should be immunised for Japanese Encephalitis. It is a two-dose vaccine, given four weeks apart.
We also recommend ensuring Hepatitis B and Tetanus immunisations are current. |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 March 2010 12:47 |
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