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Leptospirosis
In Fiji, the Eastern Division is currently experiencing a leptospirosis outbreak in Kadavu Medical Subdivision as of June 22.
Since the beginning of the outbreak, there have been 29 confirmed cases, 42 hospital admissions, and 1 death. Consequently, a red alert for leptospirosis is added.
Leptospirosis is a disease spread by animal urine. People get infected when they come in contact with urine of infected animals or with urine-contaminated water, soil, or food.
Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), red eyes, stomach pain, diarrhea, and rarely, a rash. This disease can be deadly and in the more severe cases can cause kidney or liver failure, meningitis (swelling of the tissue covering the brain), or bleeding in the lungs.
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Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be greatly reduced by not swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine, or eliminating contact with potentially infected animals.
Protective clothing or footwear should be worn by those exposed to contaminated water or soil because of their job or recreational activities.
Typhoid
As of 22 June 2023, 32 cases have been reported in the Northern Division. Since the beginning of the outbreak, there have been 18 cases reported in Macuata, 11 cases reported in Bua and 3 cases in Cakaudrove Subdivision. Consequently, a red alert for typhoid fever is added.
Typhoid fever is a serious disease caused by Salmonella Typhi (Typhi) bacteria. The bacteria spread through contaminated food and water and person-to-person contact.
Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, constipation or diarrhea, cough, and loss of appetite. Typhoid fever can be fatal without appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Resistance to antibiotics is increasing so your doctor may need to order special tests to determine which antibiotic is right for you.
Typhoid fever can be prevented by receiving a typhoid fever vaccine and following safe food and water guidelines.
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