MINISTRY ON LOOKOUT DESPITE LEPTOSPIROSIS, DENGUE ADMISSIONS LOW

Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong has revealed that admission levels for leptospirosis and dengue fever remain low. This as the country navigates through the middle of the cyclone and flooding season. The ministry had noted rising trends in cases of the two diseases, but their admission levels remain significantly low including the mortality rate.

Dr Fong was not able to release the latest statistics as of yesterday.

“Our divisional health teams with the support of the National Disaster Management Team staff have been carrying out pre-emptive source reduction measures in selected hotspots over the last month.”

He said with recent heavy rain and flooding they were focused on geographical areas of concern for the purpose of mobilising extra capability to help manage communicable disease outbreaks and also escalate the promotion of preventative measures.

“To reduce your individual risk, it is important to understand that exposure to animals, soil, mud, and floodwaters during work or recreation activities increases your risk of infection.”

Typhoid Cases

The Ministry has reported an outbreak of Typhoid in the Raranibulubulu community in Vanua Levu and cases in the Navosa region.

The deployment of medical teams and the effective efforts of community leaders have controlled any escalation in case numbers,” Dr Fong said.

“We must all also continue to practice basic hygiene measures such as frequently washing hands with soap and water, especially after visiting the toilet and before eating or preparing food.”