Fiji's Ministry of Health has confirmed 238 cases of dengue in the country by Wednesday, an increase of 97 cases from the 141 reported two weeks ago.

Salvin Deo, spokesperson for the health ministry, told the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation that the figure may go up because there were other pending tests that are yet to be done.

The public was asked to stay vigilant and on the lookout for mosquito breeding areas, and was advised to help destroy mosquito breeding sites, such as water-filled tins, bottles, coconut shells, tires and even blocked gutters.

The number of cases may increase because of recent rainy weather, which created ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes.

The health ministry urged the public to stay vigilant as dengue is transmitted by black and white striped mosquitoes often found in the home. The disease is manifested by a sudden onset of fever with flu-like symptoms of muscle and joint pains and severe headache. The patient's skin also develops bright red rashes, which initially appears on lower limbs and chest.