13 December, 2025, 9:38 pm Central - 23°C Rain

Health Ministry concerned with surge in diarrhea cases

Health Ministry concerned with surge in diarrhea cases

By Navitalai Naivalurua
22/12/2021
[Photo: file]

The Health Ministry is concerned over the surge in Acute Watery Diarrhea cases in the country.

In a statement, the Ministry says that cases have been reported from the Samabula and the Mokani Health Centre in the Central Division, the Sigatoka Sub-Division Hospital and the Kamikamica Health Centre in the Western Division, and the Bureta and Daviqele Health Centre in the Eastern Division.

It says all health divisions have been notified of the surge and are reminded to be vigilant, especially with children under the age of 5-years.

They say Rotavirus surveillance (a vaccine-preventable diarrheal disease for children under 5-years-old) will be enhanced at major hospitals to determine if this surge in diarrhea cases is caused by the Rotavirus by laboratory testing at Fiji CDC.

The Health Ministry says public health teams in the respective divisions are on the increased alert to intensify awareness and response at all levels.

Some measures people can follow to prevent them from getting diarrhea is taking necessary precautions during this period and seeking medical attention early, ensuring that unsafe drinking water is boiled before drinking and washing of hands thoroughly with soap and water before food preparation, before meals and after visiting the toilet.

The World Health Organisation reports that diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of death in children under five years old.

It is both preventable and treatable.

FEATURE NEWS
Low chance of TD03F forming into Tropical Cyclone within 24 to 48 hours
The potential for Tropical Disturbance TD03F to develop into a Tropical Cyclone within the next 24 to 48 hours is low.The Nadi Weather Office says the...
7 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
NGO Coalition on Human Rights raises serious concerns over Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission process
The NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR) is concerned at the current processes and outcomes unfolding under Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation ...
3 hours ago

People in Northern Division prepare as tropical disturbance nears Fiji
People in the Northern Division are preparing as a tropical disturbance located near the Solomon Islands continues to move closer to Fiji and is ...
5 hours ago

‘Zootopia 2’ crosses US$1 billion globally
“Zootopia 2” is racing past US$1 billion globally after 17 days of release, becoming the fastest PG film to ever cross the coveted box office ...
6 hours ago

Canada reaffirms Pacific commitment with launch of Fiji Assistive Technology Hub
The Government of Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to the Pacific with the launch of Fiji’s National Assistive Technology Hub in Suva.The ...
6 hours ago

SODELPA expresses shock after FICAC charge Tanya Waqanika
The Social Democratic Liberal Party says they are shocked that one of their former party members has been charged by FICAC for allegedly opposing ...
7 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Sonia Shanaaz says silent treatment hurts as she waits for assistance for her daughter with cerebral palsy
Sonia Shanaaz, the mother of 10-year-old Aarna who was born with cerebral palsy, says silent treatment hurts after she reached out to the ...
1 day ago

I do not support police officers being charged on public opinions and without evidence - COMPOL
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says he will stand by his officers, and he does not support any officer being charged based on public opinion ...
1 day ago

Dubai 7s 2025
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side are working on their fitness as they prepare for the start of the 2025/2026 World 7s Series this ...
5 days ago

TOP