Ministry Urges Action as Dengue Cases Soar

Fiji has reported 2436 dengue cases from January 1 to February 23, 2025, prompting the Ministry of Health to urge the public to stay alert and take preventive action.

The sharp increase in cases follows heavy rainfall and widespread flooding, especially in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Rae.

The Western Division has been hit hardest, leading the national case count with 1,411 confirmed dengue cases. An outbreak was officially declared in this region on February 3.

Other areas have also seen a rise in cases. The Central Division has reported 559 cases, the Northern Division 419, and the Eastern Division 47.

In response to the growing crisis, the ministry has launched an array of public health interventions, focusing particularly on the Western Division, where the outbreak remains most severe.

Health officials are urging everyone to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and take extra precautions to prevent further spread of the disease.

These efforts the ministry said include house-to-house surveillance, larval sampling, the application of larvicides to eliminate mosquito larvae, and adult mosquito spraying.

Additionally, cleanup campaigns are underway to remove potential mosquito breeding sites, and health teams continue to educate the public on how to prevent the spread of the disease.

Environmental health officers have been inspecting properties and issuing abatement notices, with fines imposed on those found violating the Public Health Act Cap 111 by harbouring mosquitoes.

The ministry said these inspections were ongoing across all six subdivisions in the Western Division and are being replicated in the Central, Northern, and Eastern divisions as a precautionary measure.

The ministry encouraged the public to stay informed through advisories on dengue fever and leptospirosis, which have been shared across various media platforms.

Individuals are urged to take preventive actions, educate themselves about the disease, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise, the ministry stated.

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