News

Three confirmed dead from meningococcal disease

August 18, 2019 7:40 am

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that three Fijians have died this month as a result of the meningococcal disease.

Health Minister Dr. Iferemi Waqainabete says among the three deceased was a four year old child who resided in Keiyasi, Sigatoka.

“Two adults and one child and it’s a notifiable disease so our people on the ground had, once they passed on they’d made sure that they’ve done the laboratory testing that was done locally.”

Article continues after advertisement

Dr. Waqainabete is urging all Fijians if you have any of the symptoms or signs of the disease to immediately see a doctor or go to your nearest health clinic.

“If anyone has fever or coughs to present themselves to hospital and you know health officials should be able to take it from there.”

 The Health Minister also highlighting how meningococcal can be spread.

“Its intimate contact according to our Public Health protection people, it’s you know deep kissing, you know intimate contacts, household contacts.”

Symptoms of the meningococcal disease can also include a sudden fever, nausea, eyes sensitive to light and rash that is red and or purple on the skin.