Increase in reported cases of leptospirosis last week with two more deaths confirmed

There has been an increase in reported cases of suspected and confirmed cases of leptospirosis with 91 cases last week alone.

The Health Ministry also confirms that a 35-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man from Nadi have died from leptospirosis.

These are the only confirmed deaths since the 23rd of last month.

There have been a total of 31 deaths from leptospirosis this year.

The Health Ministry is stressing that early treatment can decrease the severity and duration of leptospirosis.

Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong says the reports from the recent FEMAT outbreak response visits to the Navosa Subdivision and the Ra Subdivision have shown that when patients are seen early and the appropriate treatment is provided, the patients were able to be treated successfully at home and not require admissions into the hospital.

He adds the number of people with severe disease and deaths was all significantly reduced.

Doctor Fong says they encourage those who are sick at home to seek treatment early so they can recover quickly from their illness.

He stresses that you should go to a doctor or a health centre immediately if you develop fever, muscle pain, headache, red eyes, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, dizziness or feel weak.

Doctor Fong adds 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 water, and keeping all food and drinks covered and away from rats.

The leptospirosis bacteria is spread to humans through the urine of infected animals, such as cows, pigs, rats and dogs.