3 dead from contaminated water in Balevuto, Ba

Three people have died since Tuesday after drinking contaminated water in Balevuto, Ba.

The Health Ministry says villagers allegedly reported that a dead cow is the cause of contamination, and tests have been carried out by the Ministry’s Health Inspectors along with officers from the Water Authority of Fiji.

They say it is understood that 3 other villages with a total population of 700 are using the same water source.

The Health Ministry says water samples have been sent to Mataika House in Suva to verify the cause of contamination.

The Ministry of Health is concerned with an increase in the number of diarrhoea cases from residents of Balevuto in Ba due to the contaminated water source and there are more cases being reported from Nukuloa, Nacaci and Toge.

They are advising members of the public in Balevuto and nearby areas to boil all drinking water and adhere to best hygiene practices like proper hand washing with soap and water before and after meals and also after visiting the toilet.