The Asian tiger mosquito is one of the vectors responsible for transmitting dengue fever. Photo: SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
The Tongan government has declared a dengue fever outbreak in the Kingdom.
In a statement on Wednesday, the country's health ministry said the number of suspected cases continues to increase significantly across its three island groups: Tongatapu, Vava'u, and 'Eua.
Health Minister Dr Ana Akoula said the first confirmed case was reported Friday, and since then, 10 more cases have been confirmed.
The majority of cases are on Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga, and most of those affected aged 12 to 17 years old.
"More cases are expected due to the ongoing rain and adverse weather conditions which favour breeding sites for the mosquitoes responsible for the transmission of the dengue virus."
The health ministry said that health officers in the outer islands have been alerted about the situation and encouraged to "have high index of suspicion for early detection and treatment of cases".
"The health ministry reminds the public that dengue fever is contagious. It spreads from person to person through the bites of infected mosquitoes."
Tongans have been urged not to panic, but learn about dengue and attend a medical facility if they develop symptoms.
Dengue fever symptoms
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headaches
- Pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Rash that appears 3-4 days after the fever begins
Last month, the Samoan government also declared a dengue outbreak, while the Fijian government declared a dengue outbreak in the western division of the main island, Viti Levu.
