An outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in West Bengal, India, has raised alarms across parts of Asia, leading several countries to bolster their airport screening measures. However, health officials in Fiji have reassured the public that there is currently no imminent threat to the nation.
Penioni Ravunawa, Fiji’s Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, affirmed that the country remains free from the Nipah virus and emphasized that surveillance teams are vigilantly monitoring the situation in the region. “At the moment, there is no threat to Fiji. The Surveillance Department is monitoring the spread of the outbreak,” he stated.
Ravunawa highlighted Fiji’s preparedness, indicating that the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has the capacity for genomic sequencing, which allows for the identification of potential viral threats, similar to the measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed confidence in the CDC’s ability to detect and respond quickly, should the circumstances change.
Despite the current low risk, Ravunawa urged the community to practice vigilance and caution in public spaces. He noted, “The CDC will provide an indication when there is a risk. When numbers are insignificant, there is no cause for alarm.” He assured that the Ministry of Health is actively monitoring outbreaks regionally and would issue advisories if the situation for Fiji becomes concerning.
This proactive stance from Fiji’s health authorities reflects a commitment to public safety, reassuring citizens that the country is equipped to handle potential health threats while emphasizing the importance of remaining aware and cautious in these uncertain times.
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