14 deaths because of Leptospirosis so far this year
Health Ministry records 213 cases of Dengue and 30 cases of Typhoid

14 deaths because of Leptospirosis so far this year

Health Ministry records 213 cases of Dengue and 30 cases of Typhoid

By Shanil Singh
17/02/2022
Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong

14 people have died because of Leptospirosis so far this year with 12 deaths in the Western Division, 1 death in the Central Division and 1 in the Northern Division.

The Ministry of Health has recorded 179 cases of Leptospirosis this year.

This includes 73 cases in the West, 65 in the Central Division, 38 in the North and 3 in the Eastern Division.

Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong says the case numbers are expected for this time of the year in the West and Central Division while there is also an increasing trend noted in the North.

Dr Fong says hospital admission and deaths data indicate that most of the hospital admissions and deaths are in the Western division.

He says with the recent heavy rains and flooding in parts of Fiji, they anticipate an increase in Leptospirosis, Typhoid and Dengue Fever.

Dr Fong adds clinical and epidemiological data indicate that males and young adults aged 20 to 49 years high-risk groups,and young iTaukei males are overly represented in cases and severe outcomes.

Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to contaminated water, such as flood waters and you should avoid walking or swimming in flooded waters, wear shoes when walking outside, and keep all food and drinks covered and away from rats.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, yellow skin and eyes, red eyes and abdominal pain.

The Health Ministry has also recorded 30 cases of Typhoid so far this year which includes 14 cases in the Western Division, 11 in the Central Division and 5 in the North.

Typhoid fever is typically found in areas that do not have access to clean drinking water such as rural areas and urban informal settlements.

Dr Fong says they strongly encourage people who live in these areas and any other areas without access to clean drinking water, to boil all drinking water.

Meanwhile 213 cases of Dengue fever have been recorded so far this year.

Dr Fong says 100 of these cases are in the Western Division where they are starting to see an increase after the recent heavy rain and floods.

He is urging everyone to get rid of potential mosquito breeding places such as empty containers outside your homes that may collect water, including discarded tires.

You must also prevent yourself from being bitten by mosquitoes through the use of mosquito screens in your homes and mosquito repellents.

FEATURE NEWS
Masi and Matawalu available for Club and Country duties until such time that their alleged assault cases are dealt with in court
The Fijian Drua reveals that both players, Iosefo Masi and Peni Matawalu are available for Club and Country duties as part of their employment require...
5 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
RFMF has been devastating for Fiji and it's economy – Usamate
Independent MP Jone Usamate empasized that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces has been devastating for this country with the coups, and the effect ...
5 hours ago

$6.4 million of unpaid rent owed to iTLTB
$6.4 million is the amount of unpaid rent owed to the i-Taukei Land Trust Board as of the 25th of last month. This was revealed by the Minister ...
5 hours ago

Govt to proceed with Employment Relations Bill despite FCEF rejection
The Government is expected to table the Employment Relations Bill in June despite it being rejected by the Fiji Commerce and Employers ...
5 hours ago

Looking forward to the Blues, and it’s good to be home - Jackson
We are looking forward to the Blues as we have a six-day turnaround, and it is just good to be home. Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach Glen Jackson ...
6 hours ago

Five men arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences as part of an investigation into a suspected plot to "target a specific ...
6 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Tevita Ikanivere on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show focuses on Ikanivere’s journey, his family, career and how far the Drua has ...
12 days ago

Daniel Fatiaki and Professor Narsey on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Chair of the Electoral Reform Commission and former Chief Justice, Daniel Fatiaki and Electoral Reform Commissioner and economist, Professor Wadan ...
12 days ago

Top Interventional Cardiologist Dr Kapadia on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on health services in the country. The former Marist Brothers Primary and High School student who has been practising medicine ...
28 days ago

TOP