Health officials are working overtime to
prevent disease outbreak in the Northern Division.
Acting Permanent Secretary for Health,
Dr Lepani Waqatakirewa, today said the Ministry of Health commenced dengue
prevention measures in the Northern Division last week.
Health officials have already undertaken mosquito spraying in heavily populated areas as well as in Labasa town area in an attempt to prevent the outbreak of dengue.
Dr Waqatakirewa said health officials are also in the process of reducing the threat of a leptospirosis outbreak by ensuring that shop owners properly dispose off damaged food stock.
The possibility of an outbreak in diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis is high in the Division following intense flooding caused by Cyclone Ami two weeks ago, which contaminated water and food supplies.
Dr Waqatakirewa said the Ministry is in the process of asking for continued assistance from international and regional partners for water purification supplies.
In the meantime, people are being advised to continue boiling all drinking water.
Dr Waqatakirewa added that Cabinet approval will be sought tomorrow for funds to be used in the health rehabilitation process both in the Northern and Eastern Divisions.
A final report on the health situation in the Eastern Division is currently being finalized.