News

 

Press Release!!

Update on Global Outbreak of SARS - 22/05/2003

Thirty- two countries (as of May 21st) are reporting cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). At least 4 countries are continuing to experience local viral transmission. The cumulative number of SARS cases reported from 1st November 2002 to 21st May 2003 is 7956. Of this number, 666 people have died (mainly in China –296, Hong Kong SAR – 255, Taiwan – 52, Singapore - 28 and Canada – 23) and 4085 have recovered... See the press release for further details.

 

Update on outbreak of SARS - 9/04/2003

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) cases continued to be seen around the world. A total of 18 countries are now reporting cases of SARS with 4 countries experiencing local viral transmission. The cumulative number of SARS cases reported as of 9th April 2003 is 2722. Of this number, 106 people have died mainly in China (53) and Hong Kong (27)...See the press release for more details.

 

Dengue outbreak of Dengue Type 1

The Ministry of Health now confirms that there is a dengue outbreak of Dengue Type 1 in specific areas in Suva & Lautoka. See the press release for more details......

ENT Clinics at Lautoka Hospital

The team of ENT Surgeons will be attending to patients with ear, nose and throut related problems on 02/12/2002 to 06/12/2002. Patients scheduled for ENT Clinic on 25/11/2002 to 29/11/2002 previously please contact Sister at the SOPD Clinic for new dates immediatly on Phone 6660399, ext. 462.

 

PATIS launch at CWM Hospital

In brief the PATIS system registers individuals on a computer system who have an occasion of service at a hospital, health centre or nursing station. All persons registered receive a unique National Health Number. Patients 15 years old or greater are issued with a National Health Card. Information is recorded at a patient, facility, village, nursing zone, medical area, sub-division and divisional level. Information can be retrieved, where appropriate at each level.....See the press release for more details.

 

Patient Management System (PATIS) Overview

New computerized health information system with its software developed in Australia through the Fiji Health Management Project a bilateral project between the Fiji and Australian governments......see the press release for more details.

 

Filiarisis Alert !!

Lymphatic Filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a painful and disfiguring tropical diseases caused by thread-like worms (filariae) that live in the human lymphatic system. It is one of the leading causes of disability in the world.....see the press release for more details.

 

PRESS RELEASE NO 8!!

 

UPDATE ON OUTBREAK OF SARS

 

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) cases continued to be seen around the world. A total of 18 countries are now reporting cases of SARS with 4 countries experiencing local viral transmission. The cumulative number of SARS cases reported as of 9^th April 2003 is 2722. Of this number, 106 people have died mainly in China (53) and Hong Kong (27).

As of Thursday 10^th April 2003, a total of 3 cases of suspected SARS have been recorded in Fiji. All patients reported recent travel to SARS countries of China, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The most recent case was admitted at CWMH on Tuesday night, 8^th April with fever and cough. The patient originated from Shanghai, China and travelled into Fiji through Hong Kong and Seoul, Korea. After a 48 hours observation and isolation, his symptoms of fever abated and his cough became less frequent. His chest x-ray did not show any signs of atypical pneumonia nor was his blood indices conclusive of SARS. Today Thursday 10^th April, the patient has been released home but under active surveillance by health authorities.

A week ago on Thursday 3^rd April 2003, the Ministry of Health issued an advice against non-essential travel to SARS countries that have local disease transmission. These countries are Canada (Toronto), Singapore, Viet Nam and China (Guangdong, Hong Kong, Shanxi). This travel advisory still remains emphasised but is reassessed regularly as the outbreak evolves.

International travellers should be aware of the main symptoms of SARS: high fever (> 38° Celsius, >100.4° Fahrenheit), dry cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties.

Most cases of SARS occur in persons who have had close face-to-face contact with SARS patients. Direct contact with (exhaled) droplets and bodily secretions from an infected person appears to be important. However, other routes of transmission are possible and are currently under investigation.

Furthermore, all citizens and visitors who arrived from Canada (Toronto), Singapore, Viet Nam and China (Guangdong, Hong Kong, Shanxi) in the past 10 days will be on the Ministry of Health active surveillance list. They are requested to co-operate with health authorities who will be in contact on a daily basis and to report any developing symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath.

These citizens and visitors should know that if they have the SARS virus, their immediate family members and friends could be the first to be infected should they become ill and are late in seeking medical assistance.

 

 

[Dr Lepani Waqatakirewa]

Director of Public Health

for Permanent Secretary for Health, Fiji