There has been a decrease in the number of dengue fever cases recorded nationally in the last 6 weeks. The number of cases in all Divisions is now at levels that is expected during this time of the year. Therefore, the Ministry has announced the end of the dengue fever outbreaks that were declared earlier this year in Macuata, Nadi, Ba, and Suva.
From January 1st to May 31st 2018 there were 3,437 confirmed cases of dengue fever recorded in Fiji. Four people died from dengue fever during this period. Of the total confirmed dengue cases recorded, 1242 were from the Northern Division, 1315 from the Western Division, 865 from Central Division and 15 cases of dengue were recorded for the Eastern Division. At the peak of the outbreak, an average of 236 cases was recorded nationally per week. In the last 4 weeks we have had an average of 59 cases per week, which is within the expected range of cases for this time of the year.
However, even though we are now in our dengue low season, anyone in Fiji can still get dengue fever, as it is an endemic disease here. We must also be prepared as our dengue high season begins again with the rainy season in October.
The Health Ministry continues to work closely with its stakeholders, including municipal councils, in its efforts to control the spread of dengue fever by reducing mosquito-breeding places. And with development partners, they are also investing in new technologies such as Wolbachia with the World Mosquito Program, which is rolling out in the Central Division.
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