Fiji is currently grappling with a serious outbreak of dengue fever that has claimed eight lives since the beginning of 2025, according to Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services. The outbreak has significantly impacted public health, with the nation reporting a staggering 10,969 confirmed cases from January 1 to June 15, 2025.
The Western Division has been the hardest hit, recording 4,860 cases, while the Central Division reported 2,868 cases, the Northern Division 2,867, and the Eastern Division 274. Tragically, five of the eight fatalities occurred in the Western Division, and the remaining three in the Northern Division, with no reported deaths in the Central or Eastern Divisions.
As residents continue to face the challenges posed by this illness, hospital admissions have surged, with a total of 2,334 admissions throughout the nation. The Western Division accounted for 1,164 of these hospitalizations, highlighting the strain the outbreak is placing on healthcare facilities.
In encouraging news, as of mid-June 2025, active cases have decreased to 562, indicating that public health interventions may be having a positive impact. Specifically, the active cases include 147 in the Western Division, 141 in the Central Division, 198 in the Northern Division, and just 5 in the Eastern Division.
The Ministry of Health attributes this outbreak to conducive conditions for mosquito breeding following heavy rainfall. Previous reports from earlier in 2025 noted not only rising case numbers but also government-led initiatives focusing on comprehensive public health measures, including surveillance, larviciding, and community engagement to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites.
This proactive approach fosters hope for managing and eventually overcoming this outbreak through increased community involvement and cooperation with health authorities. Fiji’s commitment to protecting public health in the face of adversity is crucial, and ongoing efforts highlight the significance of collective action in combating the dengue crisis.
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