News

Meningococcal disease outbreak approaches an end

October 2, 2018 4:42 am

The World Health Organization has revealed that Fiji is approaching the end of the killer meningococcal disease outbreak which was declared by the Health Ministry in March this year.

WHO Pacific Health Security Team Coordinator, Angela Merianos says the mass vaccination programme rolled out by the Ministry has been successful in controlling the disease outbreak.

Merianos says the Ministry will still need to carry out a number of clinical tests.

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“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is ensuring that clinical specimen is being collected from the recent suspected cases to be able to actually either confirm them or be able to exclude them as cases of meningococcal disease and surveillance for new cases are needed to be increased so that any new cases are being detected early.”

The Health Ministry is urging those between the ages of one and 19 to get vaccinated to ensure full coverage out of the outbreak.

Fijians are also advised to practice good hygiene at all times.

A team from the Ministry will continue with its awareness programs.