Fiji’s Health Ministry says the dengue fever outbreak has ended in the Central and Western Divisions, though the disease remains endemic across the country and can flare at any time.
Key facts from the latest update
– Outbreak declared earlier this year in February and April has been brought under control, with a marked drop in case numbers in recent weeks.
– Nationwide dengue activity still exists year-round, and vigilance remains essential.
– Between January and July this year, 11,599 dengue cases were reported nationwide. Division tallies reported by the Ministry show 5,124 cases in the Western Division, 2,957 in the Central Division, 3,198 in the Northern Division, and 320 in the Eastern Division.
– Health teams, in coordination with other government bodies, conducted spraying for mosquitoes, applied larvicides, and undertook door-to-door sweeps to identify and remove breeding grounds.
– Public awareness campaigns were rolled out to educate residents on prevention.
– Health inspectors issued abatement notices and fines under the Public Health Act to property owners where mosquito activity was detected.
– The Ministry emphasizes continuing to take dengue seriously and seeking immediate medical care if symptoms appear.
Context from earlier outbreaks
– Earlier in the year, Fiji faced a major dengue outbreak with thousands of cases. By late February, the Western Division reported about 1,411 cases, contributing to a national total around 2,436 cases from January 1 to February 23, with 8 fatalities recorded nationwide and thousands of hospitalizations.
– Those earlier dynamics underscored the importance of a multi-pronged response, including house-to-house surveillance, larviciding, adult mosquito spraying, cleanup campaigns to remove breeding sites, and active public education.
– Authorities stressed that the outbreak’s spread was linked to heavy rainfall and flooding, which create conducive conditions for mosquito breeding. The current message reinforces that while one phase may be declared over in certain divisions, ongoing preventive work and community involvement remain critical.
What this means going forward
– Ending the outbreak in specific divisions does not mean dengue is gone. The disease is endemic and can recur, especially during the rainy season. Public cooperation and continued vector-control measures will be essential to keep numbers down.
– The government plans to maintain enforcement under the Public Health Act where needed and to keep vaccination and treatment avenues accessible, while communities continue to eliminate standing water and reduce potential breeding sites.
Commentary and practical value
– The shift from outbreak status to endemic risk highlights a successful reduction in acute cases, but it also signals a long-term public health effort. The public should stay vigilant, maintain preventive practices, and promptly seek care for dengue-like symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pains, or rash.
– Community participation remains a cornerstone of dengue control. People can help by clearing standing water around homes, properly covering water storage containers, disposing of discarded tires and containers that collect water, and using repellents and protective clothing when outdoors.
Summary
– The Health Ministry has declared the dengue outbreak over in the Central and Western Divisions, but dengue remains endemic nationwide. Ongoing vector-control efforts, enforcement where necessary, and sustained public awareness are essential to prevent a resurgence.
Overall sentiment: positive in terms of progress, with a cautious reminder that vigilance is ongoing. If you want, I can add a brief sidebar with practical prevention tips tailored to households and workplaces.
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