The Ministry of Health says no cases of monkeypox (mpox) have been recorded in the country so far, but Fiji is reviewing its preparedness for this global public emergency.
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) situation report earlier this month listed an increase in cases – about 934 – in several countries.
In a statement, the ministry said it had protocols and guidelines in place for mpox that were established at the time of the WHO declaration of the mpox global public health emergency in 2022.
The ministry said all training of healthcare workers was conducted at that time, with annual training in infectious disease outbreak response conducted by Fiji Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
“In response to this mpox global health emergency declaration by the WHO, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is convening the Communicable Disease Committee,” the statement read.
This is being done to review the global situation, Fiji’s current prevention, preparedness and response measures established during the 2022 mpox global public health emergency.
In addition, the ministry would also implement any necessary actions such as retraining of healthcare workers.
“As in 2022, the response will focus on strengthened case identification and surveillance to identify and manage cases early.
The ministry said mpox was spread by close contact, which included sexual contact, and contact with mpox lesions and body fluids, as well as contaminated material such as bedding and surfaces.
“Mpox remains a legislated national notifiable disease, and all medical professionals are reminded that early notification to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is critical to preventing and controlling outbreaks.
“Laboratory testing of samples for suspected cases of mpox is still available at Fiji CDC, and to date, there have been no confirmed cases reported in Fiji.
“The ministry will continue to maintain surveillance for early detection of cases, monitor the global situation, and work with the WHO and our partner agencies to adapt the response as necessary for any further developments.”
All travellers to affected countries have been advised to take precautions to avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of mpox.
The symptoms include fever and body aches followed by a blistering rash (like chicken pox).