The Ministry of Health has reported that there have been no cases of monkeypox (mpox) in Fiji to date. However, the country is currently reviewing its preparedness for this global public health emergency.
The latest situation report from the World Health Organization (WHO) noted an increase of approximately 934 cases in various countries earlier this month. In response, the Ministry stated that protocols and guidelines were established in 2022, following the WHO’s declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency.
All healthcare workers underwent training at that time, with ongoing annual training in infectious disease outbreak response provided by the Fiji Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
To address the current mpox emergency declaration by the WHO, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is convening the Communicable Disease Committee to assess the global situation and review Fiji’s current measures for prevention and response that were put in place during the 2022 emergency. This may also entail retraining healthcare workers.
The Ministry emphasized that, as in 2022, efforts will focus on improving case identification and surveillance to manage cases promptly. Mpox is transmitted through close contact, which can include sexual contact and contact with mpox lesions, body fluids, and contaminated items such as bedding and surfaces.
Mpox is classified as a legislated national notifiable disease, and medical professionals have been reminded of the importance of early notification to the Ministry to help prevent and control potential outbreaks. Laboratory testing for suspected cases of mpox remains available at the Fiji CDC.
The Ministry will continue monitoring for early detection of cases, observe the global situation, and collaborate with the WHO and other agencies to adjust its response as needed. Travelers to affected regions have been advised to take precautions to avoid close contact with individuals displaying symptoms of mpox, such as fever and body aches, followed by a blistering rash similar to chickenpox.