Dengue admissions remain high in Bua as the Northern Division tracks progress across the first three months of the year. While officials report a number of fatalities, they say partnerships with communities in recent months have contributed to a decline in cases not only in Bua but also in other sub-divisions of the North.
Northern Divisional Health Inspector Vakaruru Cavuilati outlined the situation, noting that the data covers the initial quarter and reflects ongoing efforts to curb transmission. Divisional Medical Officer North Dr Tiko Saumalua, speaking during World Mosquito Day celebrations in Nabouwalu, reinforced that dengue remains a priority for the Ministry of Health. He said sustained community engagement and interagency collaboration have contributed to a downward trend in cases in Bua and across the Northern Division, extending to Taveuni, Macuata, and Cakaudrove.
Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases, including Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever, are transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. These mosquitoes bite most actively during the day, with peak activity in the early morning and late afternoon hours. They breed in even the smallest amounts of standing water found in man-made containers and cavities around homes and buildings.
World Mosquito Day in Nabouwalu brought hundreds of students, civil servants, and villagers together under the theme Our Community, Our Responsibility – Act Now to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases. Dr Saumalua emphasized that ongoing clean-up campaigns and efforts to destroy breeding grounds are critical to preventing further outbreaks.
The central message from health authorities is clear: community participation matters. As in previous campaigns across Fiji, eliminating standing water, properly covering water storage, and maintaining clean environments are essential components of disease control. Public health teams continue to emphasize timely treatment for those showing dengue symptoms and direct people to the nearest health facilities for care.
In the wider context, Fiji has faced dengue pressures across multiple divisions. Public health officials have highlighted that the Western and Central Divisions have experienced high case counts at different times this year, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance, vector control, and community-led clean-up initiatives. The collective efforts—ranging from house-to-house surveillance to intensifying public awareness—offer a hopeful outlook that, with continued cooperation, transmission can be suppressed and communities protected.
Additional notes and context for readers:
– Dengue is most effectively prevented through reducing mosquito breeding sites, rapid disposal of containers that hold water, and ensuring tanks and vessels are tightly covered.
– Continued community education and local leadership involvement remain key to maintaining progress and preventing future outbreaks.
– Health authorities stress the importance of early medical attention for fever or flu-like symptoms during the dengue season.
Summary: While dengue admissions in Bua remain high, the early-year data show encouraging declines in the Northern Division driven by strong community partnerships and ongoing prevention efforts. World Mosquito Day celebrations highlighted the shared responsibility to keep environments clean and breeding sites eliminated, reinforcing a hopeful path forward through coordinated action and public participation.
If you’d like, I can add a concise tips section for readers or tailor a short sidebar with key prevention steps for the upcoming weeks.
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