SUVA, March 3 (Xinhua) -- More than 10 people in Fiji have died from leptospirosis so far this year, local media reported Wednesday citing the Fijian health minister.
According to Fiji's leading news website Fijivillage, Health Minister Ifereimi Waqainabete said his ministry has recorded 160 leptospirosis cases nationwide this year.
In addition, the health ministry meanwhile recorded 335 dengue cases and 53 typhoid cases, including one death from each.
The number of cases for dengue fever and typhoid is low thanks to the programs the ministry has run such as the WASH program in schools, clean-up campaigns and Wolbachia program, the minister said, adding that they are working with villages identified as vulnerable to these diseases.
Waqainabete urged Fijians to keep their surroundings clean and remove all stagnant water to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes.
Last year, Fiji recorded more than 20 deaths from leptospirosis, dengue fever and typhoid.
Leptospirosis is a blood infection disease caused by the bacteria Leptospira. Without treatment, it can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, respiratory distress, and even death.
In the Pacific island country, the summer season raises people's risk of contracting leptospirosis due to higher rainfall. Enditem
