Leptospirosis warning after TC Urmil

Government has warned the public to stay out of floodwaters and seek medical help early as leptospirosis cases may rise in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Urmil.

Although TC Urmil did not make direct landfall, heavy rainbands lashed parts of Fiji last week, triggering widespread flooding. The cyclone has since been declassified, but health risks remain.

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu flagged the threat yesterday.

"Typhoid, diarrhoea and leptospirosis — these are some of the things we are also taking around with us post-disaster," Mr Bulitavu said.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services confirmed leptospirosis cases have been recorded lately but remain below the threshold needed to declare an official outbreak.

The exact current case count was not available before this edition went to press, though at least three cases have been confirmed, including one death.

The three confirmed cases were linked to swimming at Colo-i-Suva Forest Park last week. One person died and two remain recovering in hospital.

The park remains closed with no reopening date set, confirmed Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu.

"At the moment, it's still considered a surge," the Ministry said.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through water contaminated with animal urine. Left untreated, it can lead to organ failure and death.

Fiji Medical Association President Alipate Vakamocea urged the public to be cautious.

"It is very treatable if you present early. The problem is most of our people present late," Dr Vakamocea said.

He advised anyone with fever or calf muscle pain to seek screening immediately.

Such surges are common during Fiji's wet season. Last year, 610 confirmed cases and seven deaths were recorded between January and March alone.

·      Western Division recorded 34 admissions and three deaths;

·      Northern Division recorded 39 admissions and three deaths;

·      Central Division recorded 40 cases and one death.

The Ministry of Health advises covering wounds, wearing shoes outdoors and keeping children away from floodwaters and muddy puddles.