6 Mar 2014

Seven now dead from dengue in Fiji

2:49 pm on 6 March 2014

Fiji's Ministry of Health has confirmed the death toll from dengue fever in Fiji has risen to seven.

It says over three and a half thousand people have contracted the mosquito borne illness.

The Minister of Health, Dr Neil Sharma says the risk of dengue infection will continue in the aftermath of heavy downpours last week.

He says the Ministry is carrying out an extensive clean up campaign after the adverse weather in an effort to curtail the outbreak.

He says he wants the public to clean up their surroundings and clear out all vessels containing stagnant water as this is the main breeding ground for mosquitoes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Honolulu and Puerto Rico are helping Fiji with expertise assessment and surveillance.

The World Health Organisation, UNICEF, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the Australian and Chinese governments are also helping with public health and safety.