Fiji: Meningococcal disease outbreak continues /update 1

Event

A meningococcal disease outbreak has continued to affect the country as of late March. According to officials, 34 cases of the disease, including 20 confirmed cases, were recorded between January 1 and March 21. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has set up a Meningococcal Disease Taskforce that aims to improve early detection and urgent treatment for infected patients at all health facilities in Fiji.

Context

This outbreak comes as Fiji has recorded an increase in cases of meningococcal disease in recent years. Prior to 2016 the island only saw one to ten cases per year. However, in 2016 there were 29 cases and in 2017 there were 48 cases. In 2017, 14.4 percent of all meningococcal cases in Fiji were fatal.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease, a contagious bacterial disease that can cause infections in the lining of the brain and/or in the blood, include fever, headache, a stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, joint and muscle pains, and a rash. Without appropriate medical treatment, up to 50 percent of people with the disease die. A vaccine is available.

Advice

All those present in Fiji are advised to take the necessary measures to protect themselves from the disease (wash hands, disinfect surfaces frequently, consult with a medical professional concerning vaccination options) and avoid all contact with infected individuals. Individuals developing symptoms of the disease should seek immediate medical attention.