Solomons authorities activate dengue plan
Health authorities in Solomon Islands have stopped short of declaring a state of emergency over a dengue fever outbreak, instead activating a plan to deal with an influx of patients.
One death from the mosquito-borne disease has been reported in the Solomons, with two victims reported in New Caledonia where the epidemic has been particularly virulent this year.
A major clean up is scheduled for March 20.
A doctor at the National Referral Hospital in the Solomon capital Honiara told Radio Australia the declaration was made in light of the mounting stress which has stretched the hospital's manpower and resources.
Medical Superintendent, RoOnnie Jagilly, says the emergency department is already beyond capacity.
Mr Jagilly says they are scaling down non-urgent procedures in the hospital to try and deal with the situation.
"We are working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the city council to deal with that as the number of cases is slowly increasing," he said.
Currently 170 cases of the mosquito borne disease have been reported.
The hospital has been moving staff from non-urgent areas into the wards dealing with dengue fever, and is sending some of its doctors to man city clinics.
Dr Jagilly says if people are experiencing symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, pain in their eyes or joint pain, they should go to the hospital.