Maldives

Health & safety

Before you go

Insurance

Make sure that you have adequate health insurance and that it covers you for expensive evacuations by seaplane or speedboat, and for any diving risks.

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Recommended vaccinations

The only vaccination officially required by the Maldives is one for yellow fever, if you’re coming from an area where yellow fever is endemic. Malaria prophylaxis is not necessary.

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Dangers & annoyances

It’s hard to imagine anywhere much safer than the Maldives. Theft from resorts is very rare, given that only staff and guests have access to the resort island; but still, make use of the safes in the rooms, keep your doors locked and don’t leave cash around wherever you are.

The most likely danger is sunburn – don’t ever underestimate the power of the equatorial sun at midday on a bright, cloudless afternoon. Sadly many people do, and receive bad burning and exposure to dangerous UV rays. Ensure you sunbathe with a high-factor lotion the first couple of days and be particularly careful when snorkelling or travelling by boat (when the breeze can make it seem far cooler than it is).

Second to the sun is the water. While it’s true most diving accidents happen on the diving boat, it’s extremely important to take diving seriously.

Don’t touch coral, shells or fish. Beware of the possibility of strong currents and don’t swim too far out from an island’s fringing reef, or too far from a boat on a snorkelling trip. Don’t try surfing unless you know where you are and what you’re doing – the surf breaks over coral reefs and you could be badly grazed, or knocked unconscious.

It would be unlucky to be hit by a falling coconut, but it does happen, more so in windy weather. Imagine a 2kg coconut falling 15m onto your head. Check if a coconut tree is laden with big coconuts before lying underneath it.

Crimes of violence are very unusual, but there are burglaries and theft in the capital. There are very few cases of theft from resort rooms. Nevertheless, it’s wise to deposit your valuables with the resort office, to keep your room locked and not leave cash lying around.

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While you're there

Availability & cost of health care

Self-diagnosis and treatment can be risky, so seek qualified help if you need it. Nearly all resorts have a resident doctor, but other­wise it may be necessary to go into Male’, to the nearest atoll capital, or have a doctor come to you.

The Maldivian health service relies heavily on doctors, nurses and dentists from overseas, and facilities outside the capital are limited. The country’s main hospital is the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (3316647; Boduthakurufaanu Magu) in Male’. Male’ also has the ADK Private Hospital (3313553; Sosun Magu), which offers high-quality care at high prices. The capital island of each atoll has a government hospital or at least a health centre – these are being improved, but for any serious problem you’ll have to go to Male’. Patients requiring specialist operations may have to be evacuated to Colombo or Singapore, or taken home.

Emergency evacuations from resorts are coordinated by the Coast Guard and the two seaplane companies. Seaplanes can only do evacuations during daylight hours from a limited number of landing/takeoff sites.

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Dengue fever

Mosquitoes aren’t troublesome in Maldivian resorts because there are few areas of open fresh water where they can breed. If mosquitoes do annoy you, use repellent or burn mosquito coils, available from resort shops.

Dengue fever, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs in Maldivian villages but is not a significant risk on resort islands or in the capital.

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Traveller’s diarrhoea

A change of water, food or climate can all cause a mild bout of diarrhoea, but a few rushed toilet trips with no other symptoms is not indicative of a serious problem. Dehydration is the main danger with any diarrhoea. Fluid replacement remains the mainstay in managing this condition.

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Environmental hazards

Most of the potential danger (you have to be extremely unlucky or foolhardy to actually get hurt) lies under the sea.

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Anemones

These colourful creatures are also poisonous and putting your hand into one can give you a painful sting. If stung, consult a doctor as quickly as possible; the usual procedure is to soak the sting in vinegar.

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Coral cuts & stings

Coral is sharp stuff and brushing up against it is likely to cause a cut or abrasion. Most corals contain poisons and you’re likely to get some in any wound, along with tiny grains of broken coral. The result is that a small cut can take a long time to heal. Wash any coral cuts very thoroughly with fresh water and then treat them liberally with antiseptic. Brushing against fire coral or the feathery hydroid can give you a painful sting and a persistent itchy rash.

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Heat exhaustion

Dehydration and salt deficiency can cause heat exhaustion. Take the time to acclimatise to high temperatures, drink sufficient liquids and do not do anything too physically demanding.

Salt deficiency is characterised by fatigue, lethargy, headaches, giddiness and muscle cramps; salt tablets may help, but adding extra salt to your food is better.

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Heatstroke

This serious condition can occur if the body’s heat-regulating mechanism breaks down and the body temperature rises to dangerous levels. Long, continuous periods of exposure to high temperatures and insufficient fluids can leave you vulnerable to heatstroke.

The symptoms are feeling unwell, not sweating very much (or at all) and a high body temperature (39°C to 41°C or 102°F to 106°F). Where sweating has ceased, the skin becomes flushed and red. Severe, throbbing headaches and lack of coordination will also occur, and the sufferer may be confused or aggressive. Hospitalisation is essential, but in the interim get the victim out of the sun, remove their clothing, cover them with a wet sheet or towel and then fan continuously. Give fluids if they are conscious.

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Sea urchins

Don’t step on sea urchins as the spines are long and sharp, break off easily and once embedded in your flesh are very difficult to remove.

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Sharks

There is a negligible danger from sharks if they are not provoked. Many types of shark inhabit the Maldives, but they all have plenti­ful supplies of their natural food, which they find far tastier and more conveniently bite-sized than humans.

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Stonefish

These fish lie on reefs and the sea bed, and are well camouflaged. When stepped on, their sharp dorsal spines pop up and inject a venom that causes intense pain and sometimes death. Stonefish are usually found in shallow, muddy water, but also on rock and coral sea beds. They are another good reason not to walk on coral reefs.

Bathing the wound in very hot water reduces the pain and effects of the venom. An antivenene is available and medical attention should be sought as the after-effects can be very long lasting.

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Stingrays

These rays lie on sandy sea beds, and if you step on one, its barbed tail can whip up into your leg and cause a nasty, poisoned wound. Sand can drift over stingrays so they can become all but invisible while basking on the bottom. Fortunately, stingrays will usually glide away as you approach. If you’re wading in the sandy shallows, try to shuffle along and make some noise. If stung, bathing the affected area in hot water is the best treatment; medical attention should be sought to ensure the wound is properly cleaned.

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