The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is advising travelers to regions affected by Mpox to take care to avoid close contact with those exhibiting symptoms of the disease. This guidance comes in light of the World Health Organization’s announcement regarding an outbreak of Mpox in the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with additional cases documented in surrounding countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Mpox can be transmitted through close physical contact, sexual activity, and contact with lesions, bodily fluids, or contaminated items like bedding and surfaces. The Ministry has emphasized that individuals who experience fever and body aches followed by a blistering rash after traveling internationally should seek medical care and inform their healthcare provider about their travel history.
Generally, Mpox is considered a mild illness that tends to resolve on its own within several weeks with supportive care; however, infection control practices are essential to prevent transmission to others. Previous instances of the disease in endemic areas of Africa have indicated that some individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems, young children, and pregnant women, may experience more severe symptoms.
The Ministry of Health has established protocols and guidelines for Mpox following the WHO’s 2022 declaration of it as a global public health emergency. It noted that healthcare personnel received training during that time, and ongoing annual training in infectious disease outbreak response is facilitated by Fiji CDC.
In reaction to the WHO’s latest declaration of a global health emergency regarding Mpox, the Ministry is bringing together the Communicable Disease Committee to examine the worldwide situation. This assessment will include a review of Fiji’s current measures for preventing, preparing for, and responding to Mpox, which were put in place during the 2022 global health crisis, as well as any necessary retraining for healthcare workers.