MHMS FIJI

Category Public Advisory

Leptospirosis Outbreak in Kadavu and the Western Division

PR  13/2024

For Immediate Release

26/04/2024

Leptospirosis Outbreak in Kadavu and the Western Division

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has declared leptospirosis outbreaks in Kadavu and in the Western Division where case numbers are significantly above the expected levels for this time of the year.

Kadavu Leptospirosis Outbreak

The Kadavu medical subdivision has reported a total of 31 laboratory-confirmed leptospirosis cases since the beginning of this year, with a surge in cases observed in recent weeks. The majority of cases are in 10-19 age group, with all cases of i-Taukei ethnicity.

A surge support team was mobilised to assist the Kadavu Subdivisional Outbreak Response Team (SORT) in implementing their prevention and control activities in response towards this outbreak, including:

  • Raising awareness on leptospirosis and information on health and other communicable diseases.
  • Conducting environmental risk assessments including assessment of animals, water sources and sanitation facilities in the affected communities, including issuance of nuisance abatement notices.
  • Upscaling and continuous surveillance in hot-spot and at-risk communities – including vector surveillance.
  • Distribution of rat baits to households.

Western Division Leptospirosis Outbreak

There have been 212 cases of leptospirosis reported for the Western Division since the beginning of this year. In these preceding 2-3 weeks, laboratory-reported case numbers surpassed outbreak threshold levels in the Western Division, with the majority of cases coming from the Lautoka and Ba medical subdivisions. Most cases from the Western Division are within the 10-29 age range, with 75% of cases being of i-Taukei ethnicity.

Medical officers, nurse practitioners and other health care workers in all the divisions have been alerted to this surge in leptospirosis cases to above expected levels following the recent rainy and adverse weather conditions. Clinicians have been reminded to manage suspected leptospirosis cases in accordance with recommended clinical management guidelines, and virtual awareness sessions on clinical management have been conducted.  This is to encourage early recognition, treatment, and referral of cases as required. Divisional and Subdivisional health teams have also been trained to investigate cases and implement necessary public health prevention and control measures, including the collaboration with relevant animal health authorities for targeted vector surveillance and control.

More cases of leptospirosis are expected every year during the rainy season from October to April and following periods of adverse weather conditions. In anticipation of this increase in cases, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services conducted a three-month long mass media awareness campaign through TV and radio beginning in December 2023. This mass media campaign was continued following the recent adverse weather conditions in March and April, in anticipation of the increase in cases of communicable diseases, such as leptospirosis, and to advise the public on prevention of such diseases. Awareness continues both in mass media and on official MHMS social media pages. Community engagement by the Ministry’s Divisional and Subdivisional teams has also continued throughout the rainy season.

We continue to urge the public to learn about leptospirosis, take precautions to prevent infection, and present early to a medical facility should you develop symptoms.

https://www.health.gov.fj/leptospirosis/

Dengue Fever Outbreak in Ovalau and the Western Division

PR  14/2024

For Immediate Release

26/04/2024

Dengue Fever Outbreak in Ovalau and the Western Division

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has declared dengue fever outbreaks in Ovalau and in the Western Division where case numbers are significantly above expected levels for this time of the year.

Ovalau Dengue Outbreak

There have been 72 cases of dengue fever reported from the Levuka Hospital in Ovalau since January 1st this year, with a recent surge in cases reported in these preceding two weeks. The majority of cases are in the 10-19 age group, and from several communities and villages in Ovalau. There have been no deaths to date.

The Lomaiviti Subdivision Outbreak Response Team (SORT) have upscaled their public health response with site specific and community wide awareness and information sessions. Response activities already implemented by the Lomaiviti SORT included:

  • Information sharing in the Bose ni Tikina meetings in Ovalau, and evening awareness sessions conducted in several communities and villages.
  • An awareness session and source reduction/clean-up activities at the St John’s College in Cawaci.
  • Targeted anti-mosquito spraying in hot-spot and at-risk villages and communities.
  • Case investigations, household inspections and applicable prosecution works.
  • Surge capacity and readiness activated by the Levuka hospital facility and use of recommended dengue fever clinical management guidelines for cases.

Western Division Dengue Outbreak

A total of 370 cases of dengue fever have been reported for the Western Division since the beginning of this year. In these preceding 2-3 weeks, a surge in cases has been observed particularly in Nadi, Ba and Tavua. The majority of cases from the Western Division belong to the 10-49 age group, while it appears to be predominantly affecting the 50-59 age group in the Ba medical subdivision.

More cases of dengue fever are expected every year during the rainy season from October to April and following periods of adverse weather conditions. In anticipation of this increase in cases, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services conducted a three-month long mass media awareness campaign through TV and radio beginning in December 2023. This mass media campaign was continued following the recent adverse weather conditions in March and April, in anticipation of the increase in cases of communicable diseases, including dengue fever, and to advise the public on prevention of such diseases. Awareness continues both in mass media and on official MHMS social media pages. Community engagement by the Ministry’s Divisional and Subdivisional teams has also continued throughout the rainy season.

Divisional health teams have been alerted to the increasing number of dengue fever cases above expected levels, in order to encourage early recognition, treatment, and referral of cases as required. Divisional and subdivisional outbreak response teams have also been trained to investigate and to respond during outbreaks.

We continue to urge the public to learn about dengue fever, take precautions to prevent infection, and present early to a medical facility should you develop symptoms.

https://www.health.gov.fj/dengue-fever/

Health Precautions During & After Heavy Rain & Flooding
Heavy rain and flooding can pose a number of health risks, both during and after the event. Here are some important health precautions to take during and after heavy rain and flooding:
 
During heavy rain and flooding:
 
• Avoid contact with floodwater. Floodwater can contain sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants that can cause a variety of health problems, including skin infections. If you must come into contact with floodwater, wear protective clothing and footwear, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
 
• Stay indoors. If you are caught in a heavy downpour, find shelter indoors as soon as possible. Do not drive or walk through flooded areas, as even shallow water can be strong enough to sweep you off your feet.
 
After heavy rain and flooding:
 
• Continue to avoid contact with floodwater. Floodwater may remain contaminated for several days or even weeks after a flood.
 
• Do not eat food that has been exposed to floodwater. Floodwater can contaminate food with bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause serious illness. Discard any food that has been in contact with floodwater.
 
• Boil drinking water. Floodwater can contaminate drinking water with bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Boil all drinking water for at least five minutes before consuming it.
 
• Inspect your home for damage. Floodwater can damage your home’s structure, electrical system, and plumbing. If you suspect that your home has been damaged, have it inspected by a qualified professional before you reoccupy it.
 
• Be aware of the risk of mold growth. Mold can grow in damp, humid environments. Mold can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and other health problems. If you see mold in your home, have it removed by a professional.
 
• Take care of your mental health. Floods can be a traumatic experience. If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, talk to a mental health professional.
 
Here are some additional tips for staying safe during heavy rain and flooding:
 
• Monitor weather forecasts and warnings. Pay attention to the weather forecasts and warnings, and be prepared to evacuate your home if necessary.
 
• Have an emergency plan in place. Make sure you know what you would do in the event of a flood. This includes having a plan for evacuating your home, knowing where to go, and having a way to communicate with family members.
 
• Assemble an emergency kit. An emergency kit should include food, water, first aid supplies, and other essential items that you may need in the event of a disaster.
 
• Stay informed. Stay up-to-date on the latest information about the flood, including evacuation orders and road closures.
 
By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself and your family from the health hazards associated with heavy rain and flooding.
Emergency Department Refurbishment Works

Public Notice

Labasa Hospital Emergency Department Refurbishment Works by KOICA

Members of the public in the Northern Division are hereby informed that refurbishment works will be undertaken at the Labasa Hospital’s Emergency Department commencing on Monday 12th February 2024.

Therefore, the following measures will be in place for the duration of the works at the Emergency Department:

  • The Emergency Department will ONLY attend to emergency cases during this time.
  • Members of the public are advised to seek medical attention at their nearest health care facility, and this includes outpatient services.

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services pleads for understanding and cooperation from members of the public in this regard as it aims to provide quality health care services through these refurbishment works.

ENDS

Ministry of Health Addresses COVID-19 JN.1 Sub-variant and Reinforces Protective Measures

PR 02/2024 

Ministry of Health Addresses COVID-19 JN.1 Sub-variant and Reinforces Protective Measures

January 5th, 2024

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services (MHMS) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring the emergence of the COVID-19 JN.1 sub-variant as reported in other countries. While there is currently no evidence to suggest there is increased transmissibility or severity of disease caused by the JN.1 variant compared to other circulating variants, we are taking proactive measures to ensure that the public remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and those around them.

The Ministry has scaled up surveillance through our EWARS syndromic surveillance system, and through laboratory investigations at the Fiji Centre for Disease Control (Fiji CDC) and at major hospitals around the country. As such, testing kits have been distributed to the CDC labs in Nadi and Suva, and all Divisional Hospitals around the country to boost the testing for suspected COVID cases presenting at the hospitals.

While cases of COVID-19 continue to be seen around the country to date, no rise in cases or admissions have been recorded. The Ministry has also not diagnosed the JN.1 variant from the COVID cases seen in the country to date.

Recommended key protective actions to take:

Members of the public are advised to take note of the following COVID-safe measures that will protect them from acquiring the disease, and suffering from severe COVID-19 disease.

  1. Personal Hygiene
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer
  1. Ventilation
  • Keep rooms well ventilated rooms by opening windows and doors whenever possible to reduce air borne transmission of infections
  1. Wearing a mask
  • Wear a well-fitting mask if you are experiencing COVID or flu like symptoms and when in indoor or public settings or when physical distancing is not possible
  • It is recommended to wear a mask if you are serving people who are showing COVID or flu like symptoms to avoid catching the virus
  • Travelers to countries that are experiencing a rise in COVID infections are encouraged to take and wear mask when moving about in these countries
  1. Isolation
  • Those who develop any COVID-19 symptoms are advised to visit their nearest health facility to get tested immediately and if positive, isolate at home for 5-days
  1. Vaccination
  • Ensure you are fully vaccinated with all recommended doses, including boosters, to provide the strongest protection against severe illness. Vaccines remain highly effective in preventing serious outcomes, even with new variants
  • COVID-19 vaccine is available for those who need primary doses (1st & 2nd) as well as booster doses

Booster doses for high priority groups

  • People in the high priority groups have the highest chance of becoming seriously ill or dying. Revaccination with booster doses is recommended only for persons in the high priority groups
  • Below are the latest recommendations for booster doses for high priority groups:
High priority group Recommended booster dose
·  Oldest adults (aged 75 years or older)

·  Older adults with comorbidities (60 to 75 years old)

·  Pregnant mothers

 Should receive one additional booster dose 6 months after the last dose
·  Older adults (60 to 75 years)

·  Adults with comorbidities or severe obesity (18 to 59 years old)

·  First-line healthcare workers

 Should receive one additional booster dose 12 months after the last dose

 

Vaccination sites – these vaccination sites are open on working days:

  • Central Division: Suva Health Centre
  • Western Division: Sigatoka Health Centre, Nadi Health Centre and Lautoka Health Centre
  • Northern Division: Labasa Health Centre

Furthermore, it is important for members of the public to note that January is the start of the Flu (influenza) season in Fiji, and it is anticipated that there will be an increase in the number in Flu cases from around the country in the months of January to March. The recommended protective measures above will also help to prevent you from contracting the flu, as well as prevent the spread of the flu virus to others.

In addition, the Ministry has made Flu vaccines available for the vulnerable population – the elderly, and pregnant mothers in any trimester of their pregnancy.

While the Ministry remains committed to providing updates and evidence-based guidance, we urge the public to continue practicing these simple yet effective measures to safeguard yourselves and your loved ones.

~ENDS~