Two people from the West pass away from leptospirosis bringing the total number of deaths from leptospirosis to 29 this year

Two people in the Western Division have passed away from leptospirosis bring the total number of deaths from leptospirosis to 29 this year.

21 deaths were recorded in the Western Division, 3 in the Central, and 5 in the North.

Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong says a 23-year-old woman from Ba died on March 19th, and a 13-year-old child from Nadi died on March 11th.

Dr Fong says there have been 1,394 lab-confirmed cases of leptospirosis this year and a notable decrease in cases has been noted in the last week, with the weekly case number now below the national outbreak alert threshold.

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

To reduce your individual risk, it is important to understand that exposure to animals, soil, mud, and floodwaters during work or recreational activities increases your risk of infection.

Important prevention measures include wearing full covered footwear at all times when going outdoors, avoiding wading or swimming in flooded waters, using clean fresh water to wash up after exposure to muddy waters, and keeping all food and drinks covered and away from rats. For workplaces, practice good personal hygiene at all times, cover cuts and wounds well, and use protective equipment, especially footwear when in flooded and/or muddy areas.