15 year old passes away from leptospirosis

A 15-year-old boy from Tailevu has passed away from leptospirosis.

The Health Ministry says he presented to Nausori Health Centre on April 6th and died on the same day.

There have been a total of 36 deaths from leptospirosis this year, with 26 in the Western Division, 4 in Central, and 6 in the North.

There have been 1784 confirmed cases of leptospirosis this year.

The leptospirosis bacteria is spread to humans through the urine of infected animals, such as cows, pigs, rats, and dogs.

To reduce your individual risk, it is important to understand that exposure to animals, soil, mud, and floodwaters during work or recreational activities increases your risk of infection.

Important prevention measures include wearing full covered footwear at all times when going outdoors, avoiding wading or swimming in flooded waters, using clean fresh water to wash up after exposure to muddy waters, and keeping all food and drinks covered and away from rats.