The Ministry of Health has officially declared a dengue fever outbreak in the Central Division in response to a significant increase in cases. As of March 23, 2025, there have been 1,090 confirmed dengue cases reported since January 1, markedly higher than the case counts for the same period last year. This rise in dengue cases is anticipated due to periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, particularly common during Fiji’s rainy season from November to April.
Recent weeks have seen a noticeable surge in cases across Navua, Suva, and Rewa subdivisions, while Tailevu and Naitasiri subdivisions have reported increased hospital admissions related to dengue at local facilities. Colonial War Memorial Hospital has also seen higher than expected admissions, underscoring the widespread impact of this outbreak.
In reaction to this public health crisis, the Ministry is activating its Dengue Outbreak Response Plan, which includes ongoing monitoring at divisional and national levels. Health officials are committed to ensuring that critical medicines, including IV fluids and analgesics, are available to support patient care across healthcare facilities.
Historically, dengue fever shows a seasonal uptick during the rainy season, as confirmed by earlier outbreaks in the Western Division, which reported substantial cases attributed to similar weather patterns. For instance, an earlier article noted that the Western Division reported 1,411 cases by February 23, 2025, largely due to conditions created by heavy rains and flooding, which favor mosquito breeding.
Dengue fever is transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes and manifests flu-like symptoms that can escalate to severe forms if not treated promptly. It is essential for community members to seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms, which include high fever, headaches, muscle/joint pains, and rashes, to prevent complications. The Ministry of Health continues to emphasize public vigilance and proactive measures like eliminating mosquito breeding sites to mitigate the outbreak’s impact.
Previous experiences with dengue outbreaks illustrate that community engagement and timely health responses are vital in curtailing the spread. With ongoing efforts from health officials and community participation, there is hope for effectively managing the current outbreak and ensuring the safety and well-being of the population.
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