Ministry of Health Prepares for Possible LTDD Outbreaks

PR50/23

16/11/2023

Public Advisory

Ministry of Health Prepares for Possible Leptospirosis, Typhoid, Dengue fever and Diarrheoal disease Outbreaks

With TC Mal leaving our shores, the Ministry of Health & Medical Services will be focusing its post-cyclone approach on combatting Leptospirosis, Typhoid, Dengue and Diarrhoea (LTDD) as the risk of outbreaks of LTDD increases following periods of flooding and heavy rain. The Ministry of Health & Medical Services recognizes the need for urgent, focused and sustained efforts to reduce the risk of LTDD outbreak and to reduce the risk of severe outcomes in those that get LTDD disease.

We will be escalating community awareness and community mobilization for LTDD, including through a mass media campaign, to provide information to the public for prevention of LTDD disease and for early recognition of symptoms and presentation to medical facilities. Awareness will also be raised amongst clinicians to enable early recognition of signs and symptoms and appropriate treatment. We will also be strengthening Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, facilitating clean up campaigns and other environmental control measures in at risk communities.

We urge the public to take heed of the Ministry’s advice to prevent LTDD outbreaks and severe outcomes of LTDD disease post cyclone and during the current rainy season.

LTDD Resources: https://www.health.gov.fj/ltds/

For more information please contact:

Ms Mela Katonivualiku,

Senior Media Liaison Officer,

Ministry of Health & Medical Services,

Email: mela.katonivualiku@health.gov.fj