Leptospirosis outbreak in Kadavu after 23 cases and 1 death

Leptospirosis outbreak in Kadavu after 23 cases and 1 death

By Rashika Kumar
Saturday 10/06/2023

There is an outbreak of leptospirosis in Kadavu as the Health Ministry has recorded 23 cases and the death of a 33-year-old woman on the island so far this year.

The Health Ministry says there has been an increase in cases beyond expected in recent weeks, with 14 cases reported over the last 3 weeks, and 5 of these cases reported just this week.

They say 17 people with leptospirosis have been admitted at the Vunisea Hospital in Kadavu this year, with an escalation in admissions in recent weeks.

Four people with severe leptospirosis were medically evacuated to the CWM Hospital over the last 4 weeks.

The Ministry says there are likely significantly more people with leptospirosis in Kadavu that have not presented to health facilities, as the challenging geographical layout of the island means that only people with the most severe form of the disease are being brought to be treated.

They say their Eastern Divisional team are preparing surge support to increase the number of health personnel on the island to conduct direct community outreach which will include medical screenings, awareness, treatment, and medical evacuations if necessary.

The Ministry is advising the people of Kadavu, and everywhere else in Fiji to prevent leptospirosis infection by avoiding contact with waterways, mud or soil without wearing the appropriate protective equipment.

Wear shoes that cover your feet when walking outside, especially in muddy areas and please seek medical attention early if you develop symptoms of leptospirosis.

This disease is curable if it is detected and treated early.

Danger signs for severe leptospirosis include shortness of breath, coughing blood, chest pain, yellow eyes, signs of bleeding including unexplained bruising, decreased or increased urination, difficulty staying awake.

FEATURE NEWS
People are passing their trauma to the next generation, and you can see it – Kiran
Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran says as people have been traumatised, they pass it down to the next generatio...
8 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Doctor Alipate Vakamocea to appear on fijivillage Straight With Vijay Narayan at 7 tonight
Fiji Medical Association President, Doctor Alipate Vakamocea will appear on fijivillage Straight With Vijay Narayan at 7 tonight. Minister for ...
15 minutes ago

USP academics featured in global Top 2% Scientists List 2024
The University of the South Pacific (USP) academics are once again featured in the global Top 2% Scientists List based on their citations and ...
16 minutes ago

Unexpected fault causes power disruptions in parts of Central and Western Division
An unexpected fault has caused disruption to the power supply which has affected customers in some parts of the Central and Western Division this ...
21 minutes ago

Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences asks MOH why overtime payment is only valid for 6 months
The Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences (FIMLS) is asking the Ministries of Health and Civil Service why the approved overtime payments ...
7 hours ago

We've lost a golden boy - Saukuru
Haider was in an induced coma following emergency brain surgery after the controversial fight against Australian-based Chinese boxer Runqi Zhou at ...
15 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Sporting federations demand answers from FASANOC
National sporting federations who are part of Fiji Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee or FASANOC, are still calling for answers and ...
5 days ago

Continuous Radiology and Pharmacy services are now expected at Government Hospitals
Serious concerns are being raised by the public as the Ministry of Health has decided that radiology services and pharmacies at Government hospitals ...
5 days ago

Ratu Wiliame Katonivere declines Presidential nomination after an internal audit and investigation report
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere decided to decline Rabuka's nomination of him to serve a second term ...
6 days ago

TOP