The Ministry of Health has confirmed that there are 20 confirmed cases of Meningococcal and 18 suspected based on clinical signs and symptoms from 1st January to 29th March.
The Ministry says there has been an average of 2 cases per week in the last 4 weeks.
They say that of the 38 cases so far in 2018, there were 6 from Navesau Adventist School in Tailevu and none of the 2018 deaths to date has been from Navesau Adventist School.
The Ministry says that since report of the first case at Navesau Adventist School the Nayavu Health Centre team, the Tailevu subdivisional team, and the Central Division team have made daily school visits where they have administered preventative antibiotics to all students and teachers.
The Ministry is in the process of procuring emergency vaccines for this school and this is expected to be given to the students next week.
The Ministry says symptoms of meningococcal disease, especially for older children and adults include sudden fever, vomiting, headache, and stiff neck/backache.
It says other symptoms include nausea, eyes become sensitive to light, confusion and a rash where red/purple spots are seen on the skin.
The Ministry says the meningococcal disease can only be treated at a health facility with antibiotic medication specifically used for this disease.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has released the revised Meningococcal Disease Public Health Management Guideline to all medical practitioners in Fiji.
This is to ensure they have access to the latest information and guidance for the clinical management of patients, and the public health response in communities during this outbreak.
