The investigation into the cause of the deaths of the US couple still ongoing- Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health says the investigation into the cause of the deaths of US couple David and Michelle Paul is still ongoing.

The couple arrived into Fiji on the 22nd of last month.

In a statement the Ministry says this investigation is a priority and is continuing to collaborate with the US Embassy in Fiji and to work closely with the Fiji Police Force's forensics department, the World Health Organization  and the United States' Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

They say results of the investigation may take weeks, possibly longer.

They say at this stage, for reasons of patient confidentiality, and out of respect to the families of the couple during this difficult time, the Ministry and its partners involved in the investigation will not comment on specific details of the investigation.

The statement says the five staff placed under observation in hospital as a precautionary measure have been released and are in good health adding they are being followed up at their homes by Ministry of Health staff as a matter of precaution. 

The Ministry says all other people who had contact with the deceased couple during their illness remain well.

This is supportive of the assessment that there is no evidence of risk to the public.

The statement says the Ministry remains the only authoritative source for information with regard to this issue.

The Ministry says they will continue to provide regular updates on  any new information adding in the meantime, people should continue their lives as usual, take care of their health and seek medical attention if they feel ill, as they normally would.

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