PUBLIC ADVISORY # 14 | 13 February 2026.
The Ministry of Health & Medical Services wishes to clarify that Nuffield Health Centre activated precautionary measures earlier today due to a patient presenting with signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease.
The patient has no history of recent international travel.
As meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection, health staff followed standard infection-control protocols which included the use of personal protective equipment (masks, gowns, gloves).
To allow the team to respond appropriately and safely, services were temporarily disrupted at the health centre. The health centre has since reopened with full services.
At this stage, the case remains suspected, awaiting confirmation of laboratory results. Appropriate medical investigation and management were initiated and the patient is receiving the necessary care and follow-up.
While we normally record up to 10 meningococcal cases a year, we urge the public to be aware of their symptoms and present early to a health facility. Early treatment is critical for better outcome.
In addition, the Ministry is concerned with the misinformation reported by Fiji Sun without clarification that can cause panic.
MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE INFORMATION
What is it?
- Meningococcal disease is a life-threating disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. It can cause infections in the lining of the brain (meningitis) and in the blood (meningococcemia), or both. These conditions are very serious and can be deadly if not treated immediately
- Meningococcal disease is rare in Fiji, with 0-10 cases reported every year. There are different serotypes of the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease i.e. A, B,C,W,Y
- In 2018 there was an outbreak of meningococcal C, which was contained through a national response that included vaccination of 1-19 year olds. Meningococcal C has not been detected in Fiji since 2020.
Meningococcal disease is very serious but can be treated if detected early
- Meningococcal disease can only be treated at a health facility with antibiotic medication (medicines that kills bacteria in the body) specifically used for this disease. People with meningococcal disease will be admitted to hospital.
- Identifying the symptoms and seeking urgent medical treatment at a health facility is critical and will give a sick person the best chance of survival. In previous outbreaks worldwide, up to 50% of people who got the disease died when they did not get treatment.
- Most people who get the disease and are treated appropriately will recover fully, however 10 – 15 % will still die, and around 20% will have permanent disabilities.
- If you notice signs and symptoms of this disease, you must urgently visit your nearest health facility.
- A person may start to feel sick within 3 to 7 days after coming in contact with the bacteria.
- It is critical that everyone knows the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease, so they can seek immediate medical treatment if they suspect meningococcal disease.
Signs and symptoms of Meningococcal Disease
- Symptoms of meningococcal disease, especially for older children and adults include sudden fever, vomiting, headache, and stiff neck/backache. Other symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Eyes are sensitive to light
- Confusion
- Rash – red/purple spots in the skin
- It can be difficult to notice the symptoms in babies, or they may not be there at all. Some of the symptoms that you should be alert for are:
- High fever
- Unusual crying
- Refusing to eat or drink
- Vomiting
- Floppy/drowsy
- changes in sleeping patterns
- Seizures or Fits
- Rash – red/purple spots on the skin
- This is a deadly disease. If a person has the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease, they require urgent medical treatment.
Meningococcal disease is spread from person-to-person
- The meningococcal bacteria are not easily transmitted but are spread from person- to- person via transfer of saliva or spit. This can happen when a person with the bacteria coughs or deep kisses an uninfected person. It can even spread if a person shares drinks from the same glass or bowl at a social gathering e.g. kava or taki at nightclub.
- Babies and children under the age of 5 frequently put things into their mouths, therefore they are at higher risk of getting the bacteria.
- Not everyone who has the bacteria will get the disease. Approximately 10% of the general population will carry the bacteria at the back of their nose and mouth from time to time but will not have symptoms. This is because the bacteria needs to get into the bloodstream to cause the disease.
Certain People are at Increased Risk for Meningococcal Disease
- Anyone can get meningococcal disease. However, children between 1-19 years of age are the most at risk of getting meningococcal disease.
- There is an increased risk of meningococcal disease spreading in boarding schools and between people living within the same house.
- People who have certain medical conditions that weaken their immune systems.
Prevention
Meningococcal disease can be prevented by practicing proper hygiene and immunisation.
- Everyone is encouraged to practicing proper hygiene by
- Covering their mouth and nose with tissue or handkerchief when coughing and sneezing
- Disposing tissue in the bin, washing handkerchief daily with soap and water
- After coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with soap and water
- Don’t share eating utensils, cups/glasses/water bottles, drinks at social gathering (taki), cigarettes, or kava bowls.
ENDS
