23 cases of dengue fever, 16 cases of leptospirosis and 14 cases of typhoid have been confirmed from the Western Division however the Health Ministry said it has not reached the level of an outbreak.
Ministry spokesperson Peni Namotu said these cases recorded are as of January 25th this year, which is during the post-flood period in the Western Division.
Namotu said although the cases are from Sigatoka, Lautoka and Ba, the Health Ministry will make the decision on the declaration of an outbreak in due course.
Meanwhile, a 28-year-old mother of one from the village of Naviago near Lautoka is confirmed dead from dengue fever.
This has been confirmed by the village headman Rusiate Deutu after the announcement was made to them by Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki.
Deutu said Maraia Taleqa was part of the 200 evacuees from Bila and Naviago villages that moved to the Lautoka Girmit Centre which is used as an evacuation center.
With the confirmed cases of dengue fever in the West, Fijivillage advises people that dengue fever is caused by mosquitoes therefore if you have a lot of stagnant or sitting water around, you may be breeding the strain of mosquito that causes dengue fever.
Please note that previously flooded areas will be susceptible.
Some of the main symptoms of dengue include severe headaches, severe joint pains and muscle pains especially in the lower back, high fever, nausea and vomiting, change in taste, weakness and loss of appetite.
If you do have these symptoms please see a doctor.
You will have to get plenty of bed rest, prevent dehydration by drinking lots of fluids as the fever causes dehydration.
Take medicine to reduce fever however avoid asprin.
Please take action if you do have these symptoms and do not leave it for days as it can become fatal.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
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23 cases of dengue fever confirmed
