Health Minister Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says Fijians must continue to be cautious when dealing with meningococcal disease.

This is after the six deaths this year came from two strains of the bacterial infection as opposed to last year’s fatalities which were all from the C strain which then led to the nationwide vaccination.

Dr. Waqainabete explains the country’s tropical environment also heightens the vulnerability of Fijians to the risks of bacterial infections.

“Moving forward we have to continue to be mindful of meningococcus. Apart from Leptospirosis and Dengue and Typhoid. I guess the message is the same, all the facilities are open and the Doctors and the Nurses, they have treatment guidelines and I think it’s important when somebody is sick that they present themselves the earlier the better.”

Meanwhile since last year, 12 people have died from the meningococcal disease with around 95 infected.