Press Release

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

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

2. Ventilation

• Keep rooms well ventilated rooms by opening windows and doors whenever possible to reduce air borne transmission of infections

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 (1^st & 2^nd) 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:

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~

PR 01/24

Date: 02/01/2023

Ministry of Health & Medical Services Monitors Fiji’s Borders for JN.1 Variant of COVID-19

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services is collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) on the reported emergence of the JN.1 variant of the COVID-19 virus.

Multiple countries around the world have reported this variant and the WHO has classified JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from the parent lineage BA.2.86 variant on 18 December 2023 given its rapid increase in prevalence. Based on current evidence and information available, there were minimal admissions and public health impacts at this time from this VOI. This may change as more is known about the illness caused by this variant.

The Ministry is continuing to monitor the situation with the new variant and is scaling up the surveillance process and laboratory investigations at the Fiji Centre for Disease Control (Fiji CDC).

The Ministry is urging the public to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect against respiratory illnesses. This includes practicing good hand hygiene, and proper coughing and sneezing practice, staying up to date with vaccinations, and seeking prompt medical attention for any concerning symptoms. Vulnerable members of our communities such as the elderly, pregnant, babies and young children, disabled, and those with chronic diseases should be encouraged and supported with personal COVID-19 safety measures.

Travelers are advised to ensure their COVID vaccination is updated and to practice COVID-safe measures including the use of face masks where appropriate while overseas.

The Ministry encourages anyone who falls sick with COVID-19-like symptoms to get tested, and if positive, avoid attending work or gathering over the 5 days. Those who are experiencing severe illness that includes shortness of breath should present themselves immediately to their nearest health facility for treatment.

COVID-19 Symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. Possible symptoms include:

➔        Fever or chills

➔        Cough

➔        Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

➔        Fatigue

➔        Muscle or body aches

➔        Headache

➔        Loss of taste or smell

➔        Sore throat

➔        Congestion or runny nose

➔        Nausea or vomiting

➔        Diarrhea

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention

➔        Trouble breathing

➔        Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

➔        Confused state.

➔        Inability to wake or stay awake.

➔        Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.

ENDS.

PR 59/23

21st December 2023

MHMS CONFIRMS TYPHOID OUTBREAK IN LAU SETTLEMENT IN RA

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services wishes to inform the public of an outbreak of typhoid fever in Lau Settlement in Ra. 

There have been 6 cases of typhoid fever from three linked  households in this settlement reported from September to December this year, with 2 in September, 2 in November, and 2 in December. Three of the people with typhoid were admitted to Rakiraki hospital. One person has sadly died, while the remaining 5 have since recovered after treatment. 

Typhoid fever is a disease caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria that spreads from infected persons to others through fecal contamination of food or water. 

Response measures conducted: 

The Ministry Health and Medical Services has a team on the ground from the Ra Sub-divisional Outbreak Response Team actively responding to the situation. 

Response measures undertaken so far have included: 

Contact Tracing and followup: including identifying others who may have been exposed to ensure they receive appropriate monitoring and treatment. 

Community awareness : Educating the community about  symptoms of typhoid fever, modes of transmission and  the importance of good hygiene & sanitation practices to prevent the spread of diseases. 

House to house inspections:  assessing water, sanitation and hygiene status, conducting disinfection, supplying soap for hand washing. 

Direct supervision of mass gathering: Ministry officers directly supervised a funeral at the settlement to ensure safe food handling and other measures to prevent disease spread. 

Water sampling: water sources in the settlement were sampled and results are negative for contaminants. 

Response measures planned: 

The Ministry will be providing field latrines to address identified sanitation issues. 

There will also be a mass screening of the people in the settlement to identify cases. 

The Ministry is working to provide the typhoid conjugate vaccine (currently used in the Northern Division) to prevent further spread and cases in future in this settlement. 

Advice to the public 

The Ministry is advising against any non-essential travel to Lau Settlement in Ra, as a precaution to prevent further infections and the spread of typhoid to other parts of Fiji. 

While this outbreak is currently limited to this particular settlement in Ra,  with the festive season upon us, we are advising the public to prioritize good hygiene practices, including proper handwashing with soap and water before preparing or eating meals, as well as after using the toilet. 

We also advise the public to be aware of the symptoms of typhoid fever and to promptly seek medical attention at your nearest health facility if you experience any of the following :

• High fever
• Weakness
• General discomfort (malaise)
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Persistent cough

Typhoid fever information sheet