An outbreak of leptospirosis in Fiji's central provinces has killed four people this month and infected dozens more.
Health professionals learning more about leptospirosis Photo: Pacific Community
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services said there had been 69 cases of the deadly disease so far this year, with 18 resulting in hospitalisation.
Outbreak response teams are conducting investigations, health awareness campaigns and household inspections in the Central Division, which includes the capital Suva.
The Ministry says the outbreak in Fiji has mostly affected young people between the ages of 1 and 29.
Leptospirosis, which spreads through the urine of infected animals, can feel like a bad case of the flu, but can also progress to rashes, kidney and liver failure, and sometimes death.