Health Minister, Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says they continue to stress to people to visit their nearest health facilities at the earliest if they are carrying symptoms of communicable diseases such as leptospirosis, typhoid, dengue fever and influenza.
The Ministry of Health has recorded eight deaths due to leptospirosis and one death due to dengue fever this year.
We continue to see a number of children and adults carrying flu like symptoms and Dr. Waqainabete says while there has not been a significant increase in the number of Fijians coming to health facilities with communicable diseases, they know people are suffering from flu and they need to see a doctor.
Waqainabete says there was a surge in the number of people diagnosed with these diseases earlier this year and as they enter the last quarter of the year, the health officials are preparing for similar surges in these cases as we go into the Cyclone season.
Some of the symptoms of these communicable diseases include high fever, headaches, muscle aches, red eyes, abdominal pain, vomiting and chills.
The Health Ministry is urging people to seek medical attention early to minimize the risks of developing complications as usually patients present late to health facilities with advanced stages of these diseases.
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