Dengue fever cases in Fiji’s Western Division have noticeably risen, with over 1,400 reported cases as of February 3. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services confirmed a total of 1,411 cases in this area since the outbreak was declared in January. Health officials are attributing this sharp increase to recent heavy rainfall and flooding, which have created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, thereby facilitating the spread of the virus.
The Ministry has reported that nationwide, there have been 2,436 dengue cases from January 1 to February 23, with the Central Division recording 559 cases, the Northern Division with 419 cases, and the Eastern Division noting 47 confirmed cases. The situation highlights the widespread nature of the outbreak, emphasizing the need for vigilant public health measures.
In response, the Ministry is implementing a range of control measures aimed at curtailing further transmission. This includes ongoing public health interventions such as house-to-house surveillance, larval sampling, and the application of larvicides to destroy mosquito larvae. Additionally, health teams are conducting adult mosquito spraying and organizing clean-up campaigns to eliminate potential breeding sites.
Health authorities are also conducting awareness programs to educate the public on how to prevent the spread of dengue and protect themselves. Additionally, health inspectors are performing site inspections and issuing abatement notices or fines to individuals whose properties harbor mosquitoes, as part of enforcement under the Public Health Act.
Such proactive measures are crucial, as past experience during similar outbreaks has shown that community involvement significantly reduces transmission. The Ministry has reiterated the importance of community cooperation in safeguarding public health, particularly during periods of high mosquito populations and increased dengue cases.
As authorities continue to monitor and manage the outbreak, the focus remains on fostering community engagement and raising awareness to collectively combat the dengue fever threat. The current efforts reflect a strong commitment from health officials to protect the well-being of all residents in the affected areas.
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