The death of 17-year-old Avish Bahadur has left his family in disbelief, after he died of leptospirosis at the Labasa Hospital last week. Avish’s father, Adip Chand said his family were still coming to terms with their sudden loss.

“I wished that the doctors had identified it earlier to be able to help my son sooner,” Mr Chand said. “We had taken Junior to a private doctor on Friday when he said he was not feeling well. He was given some medication and we returned home.

“On Sunday morning we took him again to the hospital, but when we returned, he started to have diarrhoea and we took him again to the hospital and he was given an injection.

“On Monday morning we took him to the emergency room because his health had not improved overnight.

“They took his blood samples twice; the first did not show anything, but after the second, they started to give him drips. An x-ray was taken and the lungs showed some dots on it, and they said that they will admit my son.

“The doctor was not sure whether it was leptospirosis or dengue fever.

“But before this, the doctor said there were two choices; either to take the antibiotics or provide oxygen direct to the lungs. He was given a pint of blood and my son was restless. He couldn’t sleep and was feeling hot and didn’t feel like wearing his singlet as he was sweating and he continued to have diarrhoea.”

Medical Cause of Death certificate confirming Avish Bahadur died of leptospirosis.

Mr Chand said that on Tuesday morning, his son’s condition worsened though the medical staff tried their best to help him.

He said they tried to insert the oxygen into Avish’s lungs twice, but there was bleeding.

After their third attempt, Mr Chand said he knew that his son did not have the strength to fight back and wasn’t going to survive.

Mr Chand was emotional as he recalled the incidents that took place before his son died.

It was confirmed that he had died from leptospirosis. Avish was a Tech Science student of Labasa College.

The Ministry of Health has been on a campaign to fight leptospirosis, typhoid, dengue and diarrhoea (LTDD).

Dengue Fever

LTDD has also had an affect in Navua lately.

With an increase in number of dengue fever cases, residents of Tadevo Settlement in Navua are calling on the Ministry of Health to re-introduce the mosquito spraying campaign.

According to residents, 20 cases have been recorded in the area in the past month.

Mele Gade, whose son was diagnosed with dengue fever, said her son was admitted at the Navua Hospital after he got injured when he returned from a trip to Naitasiri and developed a fever overnight. Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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