Leptospirosis outbreak

Fiji declares dengue and leptospirosis outbreak

This week the health ministry announced four people had died from dengue while 10 others died from leptospirosis this year.

Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said between January and July, 3300 dengue cases and 1000 cases of leptospirosis were recorded.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease which, without treatment, can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress and death.

The bacteria is often spread through the urine of infected animals, which can get into water or soil and can survive for weeks