Both currently have mild symptoms and are under isolation at Nadi Hospital.

by department of information

Nadi Hospital.

The Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services is currently investigating two Fijian citizens for novel coronavirus after their arrival into Fiji on Monday February 3rd from Guangdong in China. Both currently have mild symptoms and are under isolation at Nadi Hospital. Lab samples for confirmatory testing for 2019-nCoV are being sent to the WHO Collaborating Centre reference laboratory in Melbourne Australia. The Ministry’s response teams are also managing close contacts of the patients.

There are currently no confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV in Fiji – the Ministry will provide an update to the public on the two persons under investigation once lab results are available.

As the symptoms of 2019-nCoV are very similar to many other respiratory illnesses (including colds and influenza) it is expected that with time the Ministry will investigate more persons with relevant travel history and symptoms related to 2019-nCoV. This should not alarm the public, as this is an indication of the level of alert we are maintaining for this globally spreading disease.

What can you do?

The Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services wishes to strongly urge the public to not share rumours and misinformation. Just as we did during the measles outbreak the Ministry will inform the public as soon as possible once we have a confirmed case. Use credible sources for information on 2019-nCoV:

Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services website http://www.health.gov.fj/

Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ MoHFiji/

WHO website https://www.who.int/ emergencies/diseases/novel- coronavirus-2019/advice-for- public

How can you prevent yourself from getting 2019-nCoV and other diseases?

· Frequently clean hands soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub

· When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands

· Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough

· Avoid travel to mainland China

If you have been to mainland China in the last 14 days and develop symptoms (fever, cough or difficulty breathing), immediately contact one of the numbers listed below. If you need to see a doctor please call ahead, using the following phone numbers, before visiting to reduce the risk of infecting other patients.

Central 2219905 Eastern 2219906 Western 2219907 Northern 2219908

The Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services is monitoring the developing situation and will provide updates regularly to the public.

Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj