25 deaths from leptospirosis so far this year

A 19-year-old from Taveuni and a 24-year-old from Macuata have been confirmed as the latest deaths from leptospirosis in Fiji.

The Health Ministry says there have been a total of 25 deaths from leptospirosis this year with 18 in the Western Division, 2 in Central Division and 5 in the North Division.

There have been 991 confirmed cases of leptospirosis this year with 279 new cases in the last week.

The Health Ministry says outbreaks are ongoing in all four divisions.

In the Central Division, there have been 336 cases with 102 in the last week.

According to the Health Ministry, there have been 390 cases with 99 in the last week in the Western Division.

The Northern Division has recorded 245 cases with 72 in the last week.

In the Eastern Division, there have been 20 cases with 6 in the last week.

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 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.

For workplaces, practice good personal hygiene at all times, cover cuts and wounds well, and use protective equipment, especially footwear when in flooded and/or muddy areas.

Please seek medical care if you have recently had contact with floodwaters, mud, or animals, and develop the following symptoms: fever, muscle pain, headache.

You may also have red eyes, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, or feel weak.

Danger signs for severe leptospirosis include shortness of breath, coughing blood, chest pain, yellow eyes, signs of bleeding including unexplained bruising, decreased or increased urination, difficulty staying awake.