MHMS FIJI

Tag Public Notices

MINISTRY MONITORS SPREAD OF HANTAVIRUS

PUBLIC ADVISORY # 30 | 11 May 2026.

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services, continues to monitor the outbreak of Hantavirus on the Hondius cruise ship now anchored off Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands.

The Fiji Centre for Disease Control (FCDC) at the Ministry understands that eight (8) cases have been identified, with three (3) deaths and they will continue to monitor the situation.

No cases have been reported to date in Fiji, and none of the cruise ship passengers are from Fiji.

The risk to Fiji from this cruise ship outbreak is very low.

As part of standard protocols, in-line with international requirements, all ships at international ports of entry in Fiji are subject to strict health declaration and inspection requirements, before clearance for entry in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

These include the production of Ship Sanitation Certificates (which include information on de-ratting) and Maritime Declaration of Health identifying sick passengers on board.

These standard protocols for ships at ports of entry include the boarding of vessels for inspection by Environmental Health Officers of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and escalation in line with contingency plans as needed.

The Ministry also has in place surveillance systems for the reporting of infectious diseases, and protocols at international ports of entry for the isolation and treatment of sick passengers, including through our Border Health Protection Unit in Nadi as needed.

Hantavirus is a rare and serious disease transmitted to humans through exposure to the urine, faeces and saliva of infected rodents like rats or mice.

It is not easily spread from human to human, however, the Andes strain causing the cruise ship outbreak has been shown to transmit amongst close contacts.

ENDS

HANTAVIRUS

Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and can occasionally spread to people.

Key facts

  • Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents that can cause severe disease in humans.
  • People usually get infected through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings or saliva.
  • Infection with hantaviruses can cause a range of illnesses, including severe disease and death.
  • In the Americas, hantaviruses can cause hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), a severe respiratory illness, with a case fatality rate up to 50%.
  • Andes virus, found in South America, is a currently known hantavirus for which limited human‑to‑human transmission among contacts has been documented.
  • In Europe and Asia, hantaviruses cause haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

Hantavirus

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO TAKE PRECAUTION AT CWMH CONSTRUCTION ZONES

PUBLIC ADVISORY # 29 | 6 May 2026.

Essential upgrade works are currently underway at Colonial War Memorial Hospital as part of the Potable Water and Maternity Sewer Line Project.

These works are being delivered in stages within an active hospital environment, with careful planning in place to minimise disruption to patient care and day-to-day hospital operations.

During this period, members of the public may notice temporary changes such as construction zones, noise, dust, and short-term access adjustments near work areas.

Where disruption is unavoidable, early notice and practical workarounds will be provided in close coordination with hospital management.

The Ministry thanks patients and visitors for their patience and cooperation as these important upgrades are completed.

Please follow on-site notices and guidance from hospital staff for updates.

ENDS

MOSQUITO SPRAYING PROGRAM – SAVUSAVU RESIDENTS

PUBLIC ADVISORY # 27 | 28 April 2026.

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services wishes to inform all residents mentioned below that our Health Inspectors at the Savusavu Health Office will be conducting mosquito spraying from today – Tuesday 28/04/2026 until Thursday 30/04/2026.

DateTimeTarget Area
Tuesday 28.04.265pm – 7pmVuiyasawa Settlement, Provincial Office Compound, Savusavu Police Station
Wednesday 29.04.265am – 7amYaroi Village, Nasavusavu District School Compound
 5pm – 7pmNabauto Govt Quaters, Savusavu Hospital Compound, NFA Compound
Thursday 30.04.265am – 7am Naqere Area
 5pm – 7pmKetei, Savudrodro village, Savarekareka, WAF , RPA, St Bedes Dorm, St Andrews Primary School, St Bedes Secondary School Compound

Ketei, Savudrodro village, Savarekareka, WAF , RPA, St Bedes Dorm, St Andrews Primary School, St Bedes Secondary School Compound This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to reduce mosquito population and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever.

Important Information for Residents:

  • The insecticide in the fog is not harmful to human at the low concentration used and it has no odour.
  • Fogging operations are conducted in the early morning or late afternoon as this is the time when the outdoor dengue mosquito vector is most active.
  • Residents are advised not to be concerned about the fog and are also requested to leave their doors and windows open when the fogging machine is in their area, so that the fog can kill mosquitoes in the homes.
  • Residents are also advised to continue destroying dengue mosquitoes breeding places in their yard and to protect themselves and their family from mosquito bites.

 The Ministry looks forward to the co-operation of community members listed above in ensuring the success of this program. 

Together, we can create a healthier and safer environment.

For further information, please contact: Ministry of Health and Medical Services on 3306177 or Toll Free number 158.

ENDS

BLACKROCK MEDICAL CENTER CLOSED TO ALL CIVILIANS

PUBLIC ADVISORY # 26 | 28 April 2026.

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services wishes to advise members of the public in Nadi that Blackrock Medical Center in Votualevu, Nadi will be temporarily closed to all civilians until further notice. The Ministry received instructions from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) stating that in light of RFMF’s joint illicit drug operations with the Fiji Police Force, the Blackrock Medical Center will be utilized for the management of security personnel who may be injured during these operations. All civilian patients will be redirected to seek medical care at Nadi Hospital and Nadi Health Center (Sarada Building in Nadi Town). The Ministry apologizes for any inconvenience these changes may have caused, and we thank you for your understanding. ENDS