The risk of a Leptospirosis, Typhoid, Dengue and Diarrhoea (LTDD) outbreak is high during periods of heavy rainfall.

This was the gist of a message from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary, Dr James Fong.

He said LTDD were a group of climate driven diseases and these worsen during the heavy downpour.

When approached on whether LTDD cases had increased or emerged post Tropical Cyclone Mal, Dr Fong, said it was too early to identify any impact.

“We are expediting a response to prevent against LTDD and severe disease in those who get LTDD,” he said.

Dr Fong supported the community initiative to ensure surroundings around flood prone areas were clean and safe to live in.

Youth clubs, like Nakasi Youth Club (NYC) has always supported this stance, as reflected in numerous clean-up projects they engaged in.

Recently, the club conducted a clean-up drive around the Lions Park in Labasa and the environment advocates believe the safety of our environment falls on how well we keep it clean.

Club founder, Mohammed Shafil, said as a non-government organisation (NGO), members always looked forward to collaboration with government bodies and departments to ensure a clean and safe surrounding.

Mr Shafil cautioned Fijians to ensure their surroundings were kept clean at all times to avoid any medical outbreak.

As Fiji is now in the cyclone season, people are advised to ensure that every effort is made to keep drains, water bodies and surroundings free of pollution to avoid LTDD.

The spread of any medical disease is triggered by the surroundings that one has created.

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