Ministry of Health and Medical Services announced an outbreak of dengue fever

Statement from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation, Hon.
Viliame Gavoka: Suva, 15 April 2025

- In February, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services announced an outbreak of dengue fever in the Western Division, with additional localized cases detected in the Central, Northern, and Eastern Divisions. We want to assure all travelers that Fiji remains a safe destination.

Current advisories indicate that key tourist locations, such as Denarau Island and the Coral Coast, have not been specifically marked as affected areas. However, we encourage visitors to follow standard health precautions during their stay. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is actively executing its Dengue Action Plan, supported by divisional and sub-divisional response teams that are investigating and addressing reported cases. It's essential to recognize that dengue fever is common in tropical regions and poses a year-round risk in many such destinations. Fiji has effectively managed past dengue outbreaks with prompt and coordinated public health measures. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently issues a Level 1 travel notice for Fiji, advising travelers to take routine precautions against mosquito bites.

Similarly, travel advisories from governments and source markets, including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, recommend that their citizens exercise standard precautions.

Governments have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their citizens wherever they may travel. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause flu-like symptoms, including high fever, nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle or joint pain, and rash. While most individuals recover within 2-7 days, severe cases can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. To reduce the risk of infection, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services recommends that visitors practice simple preventive measures while in Fiji:
● Use insect repellent, preferably containing DEET, when outdoors.
● Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants, to limit skin exposure.
● Stay in accommodations with effective mosquito control measures.
● Avoid areas with stagnant water where mosquitoes may breed. Visitors experiencing symptoms associated with dengue fever should seek immediate medical care at a local health facility.

Although there has been an increase in dengue fever cases at the start of this year, we advise that the threat to tourists and reported cases among them remain minimal. Most resorts in Fiji have implemented preventive measures, including spraying and fogging, and the Ministry of Health has conducted Adult Mosquito Spraying (AMS) in hotspot areas in collaboration with local councils. Communities are also actively involved in government-led efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation advises tourists to take standard precautions, including the use of mosquito repellent. This Easter, we are eager to welcome numerous visitors to Fiji and wish them a safe and enjoyable holiday in our beautiful country.

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and our tourism partners, continues to prioritize the well-being and safety of all visitors. We place the highest importance on the health and security of both our citizens and visitors, and we will continue to monitor and implement measures to uphold this commitment.