15 new cases of typhoid have been confirmed by the Health Ministry. There have been 67 confirmed cases of typhoid fever this year.
Permanent Secretary for Heath, Doctor James Fong says there are localized outbreaks in communities in Ra, Lautoka, and Nadi and sadly, there have been 5 deaths from typhoid fever this year.
Typhoid fever is typically found in areas that do not have access to proper toilet facilities and/or clean drinking water.
The Health Ministry is strongly encouraging people who live in rural areas, informal urban areas, and any other areas where access to clean drinking water is limited, to boil all drinking water.
He says we must all also continue to practice basic hygiene measures such as frequently washing hands with soap and water, especially after visiting the toilet and before eating or preparing food.
Meanwhile, there have been 1,085 confirmed cases of dengue fever so far this year, with 120 new cases since the last update.
He says there are outbreaks in Nadi, Tavua and Ba, however, the decreasing number of suspected dengue cases presenting to health centers in the West is indicating a downward trend.
Dr. Fong says they continue to urge everyone to get rid of potential mosquito breeding places.
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