16 Dec 2013

Fiji's Health Ministry issues advisory after rise in dengue fever cases

10:13 am on 16 December 2013

An increase in the number of reported dengue fever cases has prompted Fiji's Ministry of Health to issue a national advisory urging the public to take precautionary measures against the virus.

The ministry, in a statement, says more cases have been reported in hospitals in the Western and Central Division.

It says while there are various ways to prevent dengue fever, the most common include maintaining clean and hygienic surroundings.

It says this includes keeping the grass trimmed and discarding all water retaining receptacles and tyres that are in and around the house, capable of collecting water.

The Ministry says once an individual contracts dengue, the person manifests symptoms of the disease 4-10 days later.

Fiji Live online says the typical symptoms of dengue fever include fever, intense headache, muscle and joint pains, flushed skin or rashes on the arms and legs, and perhaps minor bleeding of the gums and/or nose.