AN increase in an influenza-like illness (ILI) has been observed in all four division in Fiji by health officials.
In a statement, the Health Ministry confirmed the increase as consistent with the country’s seasonal influenza period which typically occurred during cooler and wetter months of the year.
“Recent surveillance data from the Fiji Centre for Disease Control (Fiji CDC), collected through the Early Warning Alert and Response Surveillance (EWARS) show a gradual rise in ILI and acute respiratory infection (ARI) reports over the past three weeks,” the statement read.
“Laboratory testing conducted at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) has confirmed that Influenza A (H3 subtype) is the predominant circulating strain.
“While the overall increase in respiratory illnesses is expected during this time of year, the ministry notes that the trend mirrors similar early seasonal rises observed in other countries within the Western Pacific Region.”
The ministry statement said at this stage, there was no evidence of unusual disease severity or excess hospitalisations beyond what was proportionate to the rise in cases.
“Most reported cases are being managed in outpatient settings while there are notifications of a gradual rise in hospital admissions.”
Symptoms of the ILI include sudden onset of fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache and fatigue.
