Five more people have died from leptospirosis in Fiji this year, taking the death toll to 19.

The Government has confirmed an outbreak of the disease in the western and central parts of the country.

Health Secretary Dr James Fong said close to 200 cases of leptospirosis were admitted in hospitals in the western, central and northern parts of Fiji.

"All these are related to outreach capabilities that we are trying not only to deploy resources but also to find out a lot more. We also watch all the outpatient activities. So now we noting an increase in the outpatient activity in the Ra subdivision."

Fong said there's an increasing trend of leptospirosis in the northern division with over 300 cases recorded around Fiji.

New Covid-19 sub-variant

Fijians are also being urged to get the Covid-19 booster shot.

The call comes as the Government confirms its first case of the new sub-variant of the coronavirus - the BA.2 - at the border.

The variant is one of three Omicron mutations which emerged late last year in southern Africa.

Fong said fully vaccinated people with a booster dose are protected against the Omicron BA.2 mutation.

"Yes, the BA.2 variant is around globally. It is a threat to us in the sense that it can come in, but it's not so much a threat in the sense that immunologically, we are covered."

New Zealand has confirmed the BA.2 variant in a number of border workers and close contacts.

"All these are related to outreach capabilities that we are trying not only to deploy resources but also to find out a lot more. We also watch all the outpatient activities. So now we noting an increase in the outpatient activity in the Ra subdivision."