The Ministry of Health has reported that there have been no cases of monkeypox (mpox) identified in Fiji so far, but the country is currently assessing its readiness in light of this global public health emergency. Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) noted an increase of around 934 cases across various countries in its situation report.
In an official statement, the ministry indicated that protocols and guidelines for managing mpox were established following the WHO’s declaration of it as a global health emergency in 2022. Training for healthcare workers was provided at that time, and ongoing annual training sessions in response to infectious disease outbreaks are conducted by the Fiji Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
To address the WHO’s declaration regarding the mpox emergency, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is convening the Communicable Disease Committee. This body will review the current global situation as well as Fiji’s existing prevention, preparedness, and response strategies that were implemented during the 2022 health crisis.
The ministry plans to take necessary steps, including retraining healthcare workers. The focus will remain on enhancing case identification and surveillance to ensure early management of potential cases.
Mpox is transmitted through close contact, which can occur during sexual activity or through interaction with lesions, body fluids, and contaminated materials, such as bedding and surfaces. The ministry emphasized that mpox is a legislated national notifiable disease, and all healthcare professionals are urged to promptly report any suspected cases to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to aid in controlling potential outbreaks.
Laboratory testing for suspected mpox cases is available at the Fiji CDC, and no confirmed cases have been recorded in Fiji to date. The ministry pledged to maintain surveillance for early detection, monitor the global developments, and collaborate with the WHO and other partner agencies to adjust its response as needed.
Travelers to countries experiencing outbreaks have been advised to take precautions to avoid close contact with individuals displaying symptoms of mpox, which include fever, body aches, and a blistering rash similar to chickenpox.