Meningitis vaccination campaign in Fiji
A meningococcal meningitis C vaccination campaign has begun in the Central Division (Ra subdivision) of Fiji, where 39 of the country’s 65 cases since the start of this year have occurred.
According to a Ministry of Health update, 25 of these cases are laboratory confirmed, seven are probable and 33 are suspected, representing an average of 3.5 suspected cases per week in the last four weeks. All of those infected to date have been under the age of 19.
On its website, the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services advises travellers to the country to take preventative measures against meningococcal infection, including practising good hygiene, avoiding sharing utensils and discussing with a doctor or travel clinic pre-travel whether vaccination is required.