Patients recover, but Colo-i-Suva Park still closed over health concerns

Two patients hospitalised with leptospirosis after swimming at Colo-i-Suva Forest Park have been discharged.

However, health authorities say the park remains closed while surveillance and risk assessments continue.

Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa confirmed that both patients — including one who had been transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for close monitoring — were discharged in stable condition.

“The patient made significant clinical improvement and was discharged from the Acute Medical Ward on February 24,” Mr Ravunawa said.

He added that no additional confirmed cases have been linked to the same exposure at the park, although monitoring remains ongoing.

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park will remain closed until health and environmental assessments confirm it is safe to reopen.

Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu said there is no timeline for reopening. “It’s been closed until further notice,” she said.

Following heavy rainbands from Tropical Cyclone Urmil last week, Mr Ravunawa warned that flooding significantly increases the risk of leptospirosis infection.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through water or soil contaminated with urine from infected animals, particularly rodents. If left untreated, it can lead to organ failure and death.

Mr Ravunawa urged the public to avoid swimming or wading in flooded rivers, creeks, or stagnant water, and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, severe headache, muscle pain, or red eyes.

Fiji Medical Association president Dr Alipate Vakamocea echoed the warning, stressing the importance of early treatment.

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

Health authorities say cases are rising but remain below outbreak levels, describing the current situation as a surge.