Dengue fever is a concerning disease as it not only has an effect on the health system but also on Fijians and the tourism sector.

This comes as Minister, Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete today revealed in parliament that there has been more than 2,500 cases of dengue fever so far this year with one death recorded.

Dr. Waqainabete says dengue also poses a risk to the country’s economy as tourism is Fiji’s biggest revenue earner.

Referring to this, Opposition Member Niko Nawaikula questioned the Minister on what is being done to address the issue.

“The Honorable Minister please clarify the current level of risk of dengue affecting the tourists that come to our shores and what the ministry is doing about it.”

Minister Dr. Waqainabete says their dengue campaign also covers resorts and hotels around the country.

“We work hand in hand with municipal councils and we also work hand in hand with hotels. We have health inspectors actually going out to these communities. We don’t differentiate those areas that may have hotels because certainly at the end of the day – we have people in these resorts and also hotels which include tourists and also our people.”

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms begin 3 to 14 days after infection.

These symptoms include a fever, headache, muscle and joint pain with vomiting and skin rash in some severe cases.