Dengue fever in Fiji increases

In the last two weeks, over 550 people were recorded with dengue fever and two people have died. This brings the total cases this year to 1,471 with over 700 from Central Division, about 550 from Western Division and around 180 from the Northern Division. The almost 60% increase in the number of cases since May 1 has officials concerned, and they are urging people to protect themselves against mosquitos and consult a doctor if they are feeling ill, especially if they have a fever.

Advice

The absence of reports from other areas does not mean that there is no dengue fever transmission there. The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities.

All travellers to areas where the dengue fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Many persons with dengue fever do not seek medical care and are not reported to health authorities. There may be many more cases in the community than the reports indicate.