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By Jordan King
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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a Level 1 travel notice for Fiji, advising Americans to "practice usual precautions" as dengue fever cases spike in the Pacific.
Why It Matters
Fiji is one of the South Pacific's leading cruise tourism destinations, welcoming 83,473 cruise ship passengers in 2023 and was expected to welcome 86,151 in 2024, FijiGlobalNews reported.
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While the CDC's classification is not a high-alert one, the advisory draws attention to rising infection rates in the Pacific Island nation.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that causes flu-like symptoms and in rare cases lead to life-threatening complications such as hemorrhagic fever and organ failure, posing a serious risk in outbreak conditions.
What To Know
The CDC's advisory explains that dengue fever is common in many tropical areas and notes that current outbreaks are occurring in parts of Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
The CDC said the best way to prevent dengue fever is to protect yourself from mosquito bites and recommended to:
- Use insect repellent.
- Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Take steps to control mosquitoes in and around your home
- Stay in places with air conditioning and with window/door screens
- Use a bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.
If you are bitten, you should "avoid scratching bug bites and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching."
As of late February 2025, Fiji's Ministry of Health reported 2,436 dengue fever cases nationwide since January 1, according to FijiVillage.
The country's health ministry attributed the surge in cases this year to heavy rainfall and flooding.
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What People Are Saying
The World Health Organization (WHO) wrote last year on its website: "About half of the world's population is now at risk of dengue with an estimated 100–400 million infections occurring each year."
In February, Fiji's Ministry of Health and Medical Services declared a dengue fever outbreak.
It said in a statement that it "urges the public to remain vigilant and take protective measures against Dengue Fever," adding that "the Ministry encourages individuals to educate themselves about Dengue Fever, implement preventive measures, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise."
What Happens Next?
Health officials in Fiji are continuing vector control operations and public awareness campaigns to contain the outbreak. If case numbers rise or spread geographically, the CDC could reassess the advisory level.
In the meantime, cruise lines with planned stops in Fiji are expected to continue operations while providing passengers with health guidance. Travelers are advised to consult a healthcare provider before departure and to remain informed through official channels.
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