Members of the public are advised by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to take immediate precautions against leptospirosis following a recent death and three suspected severe cases last week.
The Ministry says three teenagers were admitted to health facilities around Suva with suspected leptospirosis, and one of them died upon admission at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital on Friday.
They say all three teenagers had a history of swimming at Colo-i-Suva earlier this month.
Ministry of Health stresses the Central Health Services Divisional Outbreak Response Team is currently carrying out public health interventions and investigations, adding that while current leptospirosis case numbers may appear low, the disease remains deadly and public awareness and prevention measures are critical.
The Ministry says the recent death highlights the ongoing risk, particularly after periods of heavy rainfall, and more cases are expected under current weather conditions.
They say leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals and can cause a wide range of symptoms, while some infected persons may show no symptoms at all.
The Ministry emphasises without treatment, the disease can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress and even death.
They highlight leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals, which can contaminate water and soil for weeks or even months.
The Ministry says animals such as cattle, pigs, rats, horses, dogs and mongoose can carry the bacteria and may not show any symptoms.
They stress people can become infected through contact with contaminated water, soil, food or animal urine, and the bacteria can enter through cuts in the skin or through the eyes, nose and mouth.
The Ministry says in Fiji, leptospirosis is commonly seen in both rural and urban areas, particularly among people between adolescence and 45 years old who are more active outdoors.
They say swimming in rivers, wading in muddy areas and increased rainfall during the rainy season raise the risk of infection.
Health Ministry says symptoms include high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and rash.
The Ministry says symptoms can appear between two days to four weeks after exposure and may occur in two phases, with the second phase being more severe and potentially leading to organ failure or meningitis, also known as Weil’s disease.
They say leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor and treatment should begin early, while severe cases may require intravenous antibiotics and intensive hospital care.
