More responsibilty urged amid dengue, leptospirosis outbreak in Fiji

Fijians have been urged to take more responsibility in their families' well-being amid an outbreak of diseases.

This came after the Health Ministry declared an outbreak of dengue fever and leptospirosis diseases in the country amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ministry also revealed that 14 people had died with over 4000 cases of the two diseased recorded in the central and western divisions since January.

It said the spike in cases was seen following Cyclone Harold which hit Fiji in April.

Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said a holistic approach was needed to address the rise in dengue and leptospirosis cases in the country.

"It has to be a whole nation approach. We all have to do our part.

"We also have to remember that it doesn't change. Very soon it's going to be hurricane season come October so you know the talk around personal hygiene, hand hygiene, eating health that's not only for a season. That's an everyday thing."

Dr Waqainabete urged the public to clean their surroundings and continue practising safe hygiene.

Earlier, the permanent secretary for Health, Dr James Fong, said majority of the cases of dengue and leptospirosis had been recorded in the Central Division.

But Dr Fong said there were also cases in the Northern Division.

He said four people had died from dengue fever while 10 died from leptospirosis.

"We have an outbreak of dengue and leptospirosis at the moment and our health inspectors are on to it," he said.

"We have had a few adverse outcomes in terms of mortality but most of that has been in those who presented late and severe."

Dr Fong pointed out a major clean-up campaign had begun.