Dengue fever remains a persistent and serious threat in Fiji with a staggering 10,969 cases recorded nationwide from January 1 to June 15.
Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said 4960 cases were in the Western Division, 2868 in the Central, 2867 in the Northern, and 274 in the Eastern Division.
Hospital admissions reached 2334, with eight fatalities primarily in the West and North.
Dr Lalabalavu underscored the urgent, coordinated response involving multiple sectors, stressing the critical importance of sustained public awareness and accessible treatment in combating this ongoing public health crisis. “Western Division 4960, Central Division 2868, Northern Division 2867 and Eastern Division 274 cases,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
“Dengue hospital admissions, overall national 2334 cases. Western Division 1164 cases, Central Division 155 cases, Northern Division 655, Eastern Division 60.”
Dr Lalabalavu said from January 1 to June this year, a total of eight deaths had been recorded due to dengue.
“Western Division five, Central none, Northern Division three.
“And in terms of the current trend, as it is, we currently have 562 cases — Western Division 147, Central Division 141, Northern Division 198 and Eastern Division five.
“In terms of data, as I read out, yes, there was an outbreak mentioned because of the numbers that have gone above the normal and as such, the ministry took action.
“Even the Prime Minister encouraged a multidisciplinary approach towards the tackling of dengue.”
He said the Health Ministry was in a position to tackle the dengue outbreak.
“We must sincerely thank the ministry and the Public Health Department, especially the other sectors that have assisted the ministry — the Fiji Sugar Corporation, the Ministry of Town and Country Planning, through various stakeholders in the city councils, iTaukei Affairs came on board to assist the ministry during this time.”
Dr Lalabalavu cautioned the public that we were still not out of the woods.
“Ongoing awareness has been constantly done throughout, mainly in the Western Division and in the Northern Division.”
He said medications and treatments were available at government hospitals.
