THE dengue fever outbreak in the Western and Central divisions poses a minimal risk to tourists, says Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka.
In a travel advisory to tourists on the outbreak in the two regions and hotspots in the Northern and Eastern divisions, Mr Gavoka said Fiji remained a safe destination.
“Based on current advisories, key tourism areas such as Denarau Island and the Coral Coast have not been specifically identified among the affected zones,” he said.
“Nonetheless, visitors are encouraged to take standard health precautions during their stay.”
Mr Gavoka referred to the Health Ministry’s dengue action plan implemented by divisional and sub-divisional outbreak response teams.
“It is important to note that dengue fever is not uncommon in tropical regions and is a year-round risk in many such destinations. Fiji has successfully managed dengue outbreaks in the past through swift and coordinated public health responses.”
He said the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention currently maintains a Level 1 travel notice for Fiji, advising travellers to follow routine precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
“Similarly, travel advisories are in place by governments and source markets, such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, which advise their citizens to exercise normal precautions.
“All governments have a duty of care to their citizens, wherever in the world they may be staying or visiting.”
Mr Gavoka said most resorts across Fiji had conducted preventative measures, including spraying and fogging, and the Health Ministry, in addition, had conducted adult mosquito spraying (AMS) in hotspots in collaboration with municipal councils. The villages are also part of the “all community” effort mobilised by the Government for the eradication of breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
“The Ministry for Tourism and Civil Aviation advises that tourists should take standard precautions, including using mosquito repellent.”
