The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has assured residents of Balevuto and surrounding communities that it would continue to closely monitor the outbreak of diarrhoeal disease within their community.
In a statement, the ministry explained medical teams has been deployed to carry out surveys and monitoring exercises there.
“The Ba team is working on ensuring there is community-wide close follow-up of patients with chronic underlying disease, and the elderly, to ensure ongoing wellbeing, as these are the groups of people more at risk of falling ill and developing severe disease during this outbreak,” the statement said.
“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has four teams on the ground actively monitoring the situation, and contingency plans are in place to expedite or escalate our response if necessary.
“Chemical analysis of tap water from the water supply scheme providing tap water to over 6000 residents conducted by Koronivia Research Station shows all chemicals are within the normal range for drinking water standards (USAEPA Drinking Water Standards, 2018; WHO Drinking Water Standards 2019 Guidelines).”
The ministry said samples were also collected from alternative water supplies while at the same time carrying out public health awareness campaigns.
“In addition to the already conducted analysis of the tap water, the Ba Medical team continues collecting samples from alternative sources of water, that is, tanks and boreholes for analysis at Fiji CDC.
“The team has also collected food samples for testing and is doing house visits, supplying WASH kits, purification tablets and conducting public health awareness.
“Ministry of Health and Medical Services continues to work in close collaboration with partners, including the Water Authority of Fiji, the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management and Ministry of Education and wishes to assure all residents that we are committed to addressing this issue promptly and transparently to ensure the health and well-being of our communities.”
Residents had been advised to practice good hygiene as the ministry continues to monitor the outbreak.
“We implore all residents in the outbreak and nearby areas to prioritise good hygiene practices, including boiling all drinking water and proper hand washing with soap and water before and after meals, as well as after visiting the toilet.
“We urge the public to promptly seek medical attention at their nearest health facility if they experience loose and watery stools, along with any of the following symptoms –— nausea, vomiting, fever, headaches, bloating and flatulence, abdominal pain and loss of appetite.”
