FIJI is facing a sharp surge in influenza-like illness, with 1780 new cases recorded in just one week as health authorities warn the public to take “extra health precautions”.
The Ministry of Health’s latest respiratory health report shows cases jumped 75 per cent in the first week of September compared with the previous week.
The Central Division recorded the highest number with 975 cases, followed by the Northern Division with 398 and Western with 362.
Children under five are bearing the brunt, accounting for 30 per cent of all cases nationwide.
Laboratory testing identified Influenza A (H1pdm09) as the main strain driving the current surge.
Community surveillance also recorded a sharp rise in respiratory symptoms, with FluTracking reports of people experiencing cough and fever increasing from 10.2 per cent to 16.4 per cent in one week.
The ministry has urged Fijians to remain vigilant and take precautions to limit transmission and protect vulnerable people, particularly children.
