SUVA (Daily Post/PINA) — A growing number of rural indigenous Fijians have been diagnosed with potentially deadly leptospirosis, the country’s most recent addition to communicable disease outbreaks.
The government has mounted a media campaign to let people know about leptospirosis, how it is spread, and how to avoid getting it.
While Indo-Fijians recorded 13 cases in the period 1995 to 2000, the number of indigenous Fijians sky rocketed to 101, the Ministry of Health says.
Leptospirosis is most common in temperate or tropical climates. It is an occupational hazard for people who work outdoors or with animals.
Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Leptospira organisms have been found in cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, and wild animals.
Humans become infected through contact with water, food, or soil containing urine from these infected animals.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches and vomiting, and may include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea or a rash.
