Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka has reassured all travellers that Fiji remains a safe destination as Fiji gives the highest priority to the safety and security of our citizens and visitors alike and will continue to monitor and implement measures for dengue fever.
Gavoka says in February this year, the Ministry of Health declared a dengue outbreak in the Western Division, with additional localised hotspots in the Central, Northern, and Eastern Divisions.
He says based on current advisories, key tourism areas such as Denarau Island and the Coral Coast have not been specifically identified among the affected zones.
He encourages visitors to take standard health precautions during their stay.
Gavoka says the Ministry of Health continues to implement its Dengue Action Plan, supported by divisional and sub-divisional outbreak response teams, who are actively investigating and responding to reported cases.
He adds it is important to note that dengue is not uncommon in tropical regions and is a year-round risk in many such destinations.
The Minister says Fiji has successfully managed dengue outbreaks in the past through swift and coordinated public health responses.
He says currently, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention maintains a Level 1 travel notice for Fiji, advising travellers to follow routine precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
He further says travel advisories are in place by governments and source markets, such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, which advise their citizens to exercise normal precautions.
Gavoka adds all governments have a duty of care to their citizens, wherever in the world they may be staying or visiting.
The Minister says while Fiji has had an increase in cases of dengue recorded at the beginning of this year, they advise that the risk to tourists and cases reported by tourists are minimal.
He says most resorts across Fiji have conducted preventative measures, including spraying and fogging.
In addition, he says the Ministry of Health has conducted Adult Mosquito Spraying in hotspot areas in collaboration with councils.
He says the villages are also part of the "all community" effort mobilised by the government to eradicate the breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Gavoka adds the Ministry is advising tourists to take standard precautions, including using mosquito repellent.
He says this Easter, they look forward to welcoming many tourists to Fiji and wish them a safe and enjoyable holiday in the place where happiness comes naturally.
He also says the Ministry, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and tourism partners, continues to prioritise the health and safety of all visitors.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has declared a dengue outbreak in the Western and Central Divisions.
5,128 dengue cases were reported nationally from January 1st to the 23rd of last month.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness that causes flu-like symptoms, including high fever, nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle or joint pains, and skin rash.
Most people recover within 2-7 days, but severe cases can be life-threatening and require immediate medical care.
To minimise the risk of infection, the Ministry of Health encourages visitors to exercise simple preventative measures while in Fiji
Use insect repellent, preferably containing DEET, when outdoors, wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimise skin exposure stay in accommodation with adequate mosquito control measures; and avoid areas with stagnant water where mosquitoes are likely to breed.
Travellers experiencing symptoms consistent with dengue fever are urged to seek immediate medical attention at a nearby health facility.
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