QUESTION:

Is there malaria on Bougainville Island?

ANSWER:

Yes, Bougainville Island (an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea) is considered a malaria transmission zone, and precautions against malaria are advised when visiting. These include sleeping under an insecticide treated bednet, wearing long-sleeved clothing and insect repellent in the evenings and talking with your doctor about potentially also taking anti-malaria medication (called prophylaxis) as a further step to prevent infection.