Ministry of Health’s Head of Health Protection, Dr Aalisha Sahukhan

The Health Ministry is concerned about the high number of leptospirosis cases admitted at Suva’s CWM hospital.

This follows the outbreak that was declared in the Central division yesterday.

With 69 cases recorded so far, eighteen were admitted for close monitoring while four were unlucky and died due to the seriousness of the bacterial disease.

Over twelve percent of leptospirosis cases received were admitted and treated at the CWM hospital, but the Ministry says this is an alarming rate.

Ministry of Health’s Head of Health Protection, Dr Aalisha Sahukhan says this is alarming.

Dr Sahukhan says this is due to the seriousness of the disease where victims require close monitoring and regular medications.

“One of the big reasons for declaring this outbreak is that it is quite an unusually high rate of admission. A lot of people have been getting leptospirosis and also getting quite sick.”

Dr Aalisha Sahukhan is calling on all residents in the Central division not to take these warnings lightly as it affects people of all ages.

She says seeking medical attention as soon as symptoms persist will avoid bigger problems which has led to deaths.

“We need the people of the Central Division to be aware of this outbreak. We also need them to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease and to go early to hospitals to see a doctor to be assessed if you think you may have the disease.”

Dr Sahukhan says Naitasiri, Serua, Namosi and Rewa is being closely monitored for surge in leptospirosis cases due to the weather we’re experiencing noting that other areas must also be wary.

“All of our medical officers in the Central Division have been alerted of the outbreak of the leptospirosis and they will be very active in diagnosing case early.”

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria that affects both animals and humans.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath and rashes.