New Caledonia
Risk / Health Info for New Caledonia
If you are travelling to New Caledonia, immunizations are recommended.
Remember you need travel insurance whenever you leave Canada. Before you leave the country, check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.
With mosquito-borne diseases common throughout the area, including chikungunya, dengue fever and Zika, take precautions to avoid getting bitten. Protect yourself against mosquito bites in New Caledonia, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
Medical facilities are generally good on the main island, but limited elsewhere in New Caledonia. Evacuation may be necessary for complicated cases.
- Chikungunya virus in New Caledonia
- Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in New Caledonia. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.
- Dengue fever in New Caledonia
- There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in New Caledonia. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.
- Zika in New Caledonia
- Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in New Caledonia. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to New Caledonia. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.
Recommended Vaccines for New Caledonia
| Vaccine Name | Course |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | 2 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and B combined (adult) | 3 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and B combined (paediatric) | 2 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and typhoid (combined) | 1 Dose |
| Hepatitis A (paediatric) | 1 Dose |
| Hepatitis B | 3 Doses |
| Hepatitis B (paediatric) | 3 Doses |
| Typhoid | 1 Dose |
| Typhoid (oral) | 1 Dose |
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About New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a special collectivity of France in the Coral Sea. The islands include Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands, the Chesterfield Islands, the Belep archipelago and the Isle of Pines. The islands feature entire groups of animals and plants that are not found anywhere else because they broke away from the continental landmass tens of millions of years ago. The islands have plenty to offer visitors, from beaches to excellent French food to a strong handicrafts sector.
top Tips for travelling to New Caledonia
The main language of New Caledonia is French. Aside from in Noumea, English in not widely spoken. Those with fairly good French may enjoy the island’s satirical comic strips, La Brousse en Folie and Le Sentier Des Hommes.