The Health Ministry says there have been 212 cases of leptospirosis reported for the Western Division since the beginning of this year.

In the preceding 2-3 weeks, laboratory-reported case numbers surpassed outbreak threshold levels in the Western Division, with the majority of cases coming from the Lautoka and Ba medical subdivisions.

Most cases from the Western Division are within the 10-29 age range, with 75% of cases being of i-Taukei ethnicity.
Medical officers, nurse practitioners and other health care workers in all the divisions have been alerted to the surge in leptospirosis cases to above expected levels following the recent rainy and adverse weather conditions.

Clinicians have been reminded to manage suspected leptospirosis cases in accordance with recommended clinical management guidelines, and virtual awareness sessions on clinical management have been conducted.

This is to encourage early recognition, treatment, and referral of cases as required. Divisional and Subdivisional health teams have also been trained to investigate cases and implement necessary public
health prevention and control measures, including the collaboration with relevant animal health authorities for targeted vector surveillance and control.

Symptoms for leptospirosis include:

• High fever.
• Headache.
• Chills.
• Muscle aches.
• Vomiting.
• Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
• Red eyes.
• Abdominal pain.