5 new deaths and 111 new cases of leptospirosis

A 16-year-old from Ba is one of the five newly reported deaths from leptospirosis recorded by the Health Ministry.

There are 111 new cases and an increase in cases is being recorded in the Central, Western and Northern Divisions.

The Health Ministry says there have been 2,068 lab-confirmed cases of leptospirosis in Fiji this year and only 681 people have required hospital admission.

41 people have died from leptospirosis in Fiji 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 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.