A total of 633 dengue fever cases have been confirmed in Fiji so far this year, with the Western Division now experiencing an outbreak.
And the Ministry of Health and Medical Services says the number of cases to date is within the numbers expected for this time of the year.
Ministry permanent secretary Dr James Fong said the Central Division had recorded 166 cases, which was below the average cases expected based on the previous years’ data.
He said the Northern Division had reported 153 cases, which was also within expected levels.
“The Western Division is experiencing an outbreak, recording 249 cases, which is beyond the expected number for this time of the year,” Dr Fong said last night.
“Forty-nine per cent of cases are from Nadi, 24 per cent from Tavua, 12 per cent from Ba, 9 per cent from Lautoka/Yasawa, and 6 per cent from Nadroga/Navosa,” he said.
“There have been 65 cases in the Eastern Division (95 per cent Levuka and 9 per cent Kadavu) with an upward trend noted.
“We continue to urge everyone to get rid of potential mosquito breeding places, such as empty containers inside and outside your homes that may collect water, including discarded tires, flower vases, and pot plant bases.
“Protect yourself from being bitten by mosquitoes by using mosquito screens in your homes, and mosquito repellants.”
