Leptospirosis, Dengue and Typhoid claim seven lives

Leptospirosis, Dengue and Typhoid have claimed seven lives so far this year.

5 people have died from leptospirosis, one has died due to typhoid while another person died from dengue.

The Ministry of Health says they recorded 160 leptospirosis cases, 335 dengue cases and 53 typhoid cases nationwide.

It says the recent natural disasters have escalated the surge in the cases in various sub-divisions.

The Ministry of Health further says dengue is below expected levels nationally except in Levuka and there is a risk of a rise in cases, especially in the North, once the rainfall slows down and there is an increase in stagnant water pooling.

Clinical teams of specialists have been established in addition to the public health workers performing outreach programs in Sigatoka, Rakiraki, Navosa, Nadarivatu, Nabouwalu and Savusavu.

The Ministry adds these teams will facilitate community awareness and public health measures to reduce the risk of the spread of leptospirosis, typhoid and dengue and will further ensure that community screening remains a priority for early diagnosis and treatment.

You are strongly advised to be mindful of the sources of these diseases and to adhere to the advisories issued for the prevention of these diseases.

The bacteria that cause leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals, which can get into water or soil and can survive there for weeks, even months. Humans can become infected through contact with urine from infected animals or contact with water, soil, or food contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

Dengue fever is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infective mosquito while people who drink contaminated water or eat food washed in contaminated water can develop typhoid fever. You can also get typhoid by using a toilet contaminated with bacteria and touching your mouth before washing your hands.