The Ministry of Health has noted an increase in the number of dengue fever cases in the Labasa area.
Acting National Advisor Communicable Diseases Dr. Aalisha Sahukhan says 795 confirmed cases of dengue fever have been recorded in the Northern Division between 1st January 2017 to 17th December 2017.
Labasa hospital has responded to the current surge in dengue cases by activating the Dengue Hub Centre, where patients with dengue fever symptoms are being promptly assessed and treated.
There has been an average of 13 patients per day treated at the Dengue Hub in the last week and there have been one to two patients admitted to the Labasa Hospital with dengue fever.
However, there have been no admissions for severe dengue cases and no deaths during the current outbreak period which is from 20th November to date.
Doctor Sahukhan adds that 1,207 confirmed cases were recorded in the Central division and 1,134 confirmed cases were recorded in the Western Divisions.
Most of the dengue fever cases have been seen in the 20‑29 and 30‑39 year age group.
The symptoms of dengue fever consist of fever with joint or muscle pain, headache, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite, rash, and nausea or vomiting.
