There is an outbreak of leptospirosis in the country, according to Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr James Fong.
The ministry has recorded 160 confirmed cases of leptospirosis, 53 of typhoid and 335 of dengue fever from January 1 to February 6 this year.
Five people have died from leptospirosis, one each from dengue fever and typhoid. The ministry also reiterated the need to maintain the control of these diseases as they prepare for COVID-19 vaccinations which is expected to commence soon.
“Yes we have an outbreak,” Dr Fong said.
“We were expecting it because the main exposure risk is flooding.
“Even since TC Winston, the level of leptospirosis has remained higher then previously.
“This is why we have been sending teams around to educate people on reducing their risk of getting leptospirosis and more importantly to seek treatment early.”
In another statement from the ministry, clinical teams of specialists including public health workers have been deployed to Sigatoka.
Rakiraki, Navosa, Nadarivatu, Nabouwalu and Savusavu to combat the spread of these diseases.
The ministry said recent natural disasters had escalated the surge in these communicable diseases.
The ministry said the leptospirosis cases were above the unexpected level during this time of the year throughout the nation, there was risk of rise in dengue cases in the Northern Division and typhoid is expected to rise in some parts of Macuata.
