Clean up or risk more lives!
With more than 8700 dengue cases and four confirmed deaths so far this year, Fiji is in the grip of a nationwide outbreak and the Ministry of Health is sounding the alarm.
Between January 1 and May 4, 1768 people have been hospitalised with dengue fever and health authorities warn the numbers are still climbing, with more cases expected as hospitals continue to report admissions.
The public is being urged to stay alert and follow health advisories shared across media platforms.
“The surge in dengue fever cases this year is attributed to the heavy rainfall and flooding that have affected the country over the past months,” the ministry said.
“There have been 1768 dengue fever hospital admissions from January 1 to May 4, with more cases expected as health facilities continue to report cases.”
The ministry said the Western Division has seen the highest number of hospitalisations at 986, along with two confirmed dengue-related deaths.
“The Central Division has reported a total of 347 cases.
“The Northern Division has reported 422 dengue fever admissions with two confirmed dengue fever deaths.
“The Eastern Division has reported 13 dengue fever cases to date.”
The ministry said it continues to conduct aggressive public health interventions in response to the outbreak, including house-to-house surveillance, larval sampling, larvicide application, adult mosquito spraying, and nationwide clean-up campaigns to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
“Health teams continue to conduct health awareness programs to educate the general public on the necessary measures to prevent the spread and safeguard themselves from dengue fever.”
Health inspectors are also carrying out property inspections and issuing abatement notices and fines to individuals whose premises contain mosquito breeding sites, in line with provisions under the Public Health Act Cap 111.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant, follow advisories, and seek immediate medical attention if dengue symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, and skin rash, appear.
