Nine deaths related to dengue fever have been recorded this year.
Acting National Advisor for Communicable Diseases, Doctor Aalisha Sahu-Khan says the nine people that passed away were all above the age of 55 years.
She says 2,699 dengue fever cases have been recorded so far this year compared to 889 for the same period last year.
Dr. Sahu-Khan says that the peak of the outbreak was in May this year that recorded 200 cases a week and this has decreased to 6 cases a week with most of the confirmed cases from the Western and Central Division.
She also explained that climate change has a great impact on the dengue outbreak, and we need to take a proactive approach to take care of our environment, therefore, the Prime Minister's representation at the COP23 is very significant to the people of Fiji.
Dr. Sahu Khan says dengue can be treated at home with paracetamol, rehydration and rest where full recovery may take 3 to 10 days.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services Deputy Secretary of Public Health, Dr. Eric Rafai says as expected with the beginning of the rainy season, there is a risk of an increase in the number of dengue cases and other mosquito-borne diseases.
He adds that the Ministry of Health and it’s partners, various community groups, municipalities in a consolidated approach have launched a National Clean-up Campaign that has started in the Northern and Western Division.
Dr. Rafai says that the Clean Up Campaign to Destroy Mosquito Breeding Places will be launched this Saturday in the Central Division by Assistant Minister for Health Alex O’Connor at Nausori Primary School.
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