11 die due to leptospirosis with the youngest being 6 years old

11 people have died due to leptospirosis so far this year with the youngest being 6-years-old.

Most of the deaths were between 16 to 35 years of age.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says they have confirmed 74 cases since January, however, there are many more who were diagnosed clinically.

The 3 divisional hospitals have reported 28 admissions with 19 in Lautoka Hospital alone.

He says after the recent floods, they are starting to see more people admitted for leptospirosis in hospitals in the Western Division and the intensive care unit at Lautoka Hospital.

Dr. Fong says delay in accessing care has been noted to contribute significantly to these adverse outcomes.

He says early treatment can decrease the severity and duration of disease and this entails initiating antibiotic treatment as soon as possible without waiting for laboratory results.

Dr. Fong adds people should consult a doctor early if they are sick, especially if they have fever and remain unwell for more than 3 days and do not seem to be responding to outpatient treatment.

He says they have deployed specialist outreach teams to areas that are viewed as difficult to reach and at risk.

Dr. Fong adds they have a FEMAT team deployed to Navosa, and a mobile team led by the Minister for Health, Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete will visit communities in Kadavu over the next few days as part of the Ministry’s community engagement strategy.

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria that enters the body through skin or eyes, nose or mouth, especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch. Drinking contaminated water can also cause infection.

Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to contaminated water, such as flood waters and you should avoid walking or swimming in flooded waters, wear shoes when walking outside, and keep all food and drinks covered and away from rats.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, yellow skin and eyes, red eyes and abdominal pain.