THERE were 330 cases of dengue fever recorded in the Western Division during the first four months of this year.
A statement from the Ministry of Health confirmed there was a surge of cases over the past two to three weeks, particularly in Nadi, Ba and Tavua.
“The majority of cases in the Western Division affect the 10-49 age group, while it appears to be predominantly affecting the 50-59 age group in the Ba medical subdivision,” MOH confirmed.
“More cases of dengue fever are expected every year during the rainy season from October to April and following periods of adverse weather conditions.”
Since December 2023, the ministry conducted a three-month mass media awareness campaign through television and radio.
“This mass media campaign was continued following the recent adverse weather conditions in March and April, in anticipation of the increase in cases of communicable diseases, including dengue fever, and to advise the public on prevention of such diseases.
Community engagement by the ministry’s divisional and subdivisional teams continue throughout the rainy season with Divisional health teams being alerted and outbreak response teams trained to investigate and to respond during outbreaks.
The ministry urged the public to take precautions to prevent infection, and present early to a medical facility should they develop symptoms.
