Dengue Fever Outbreak Declared in Tonga as Cases Surge
The Ministry of Health has declared a dengue fever outbreak across Tonga as the number of confirmed and suspected cases continues to rise sharply. The outbreak has been reported in three island groups—Tongatapu, Vava’u, and ‘Eua—prompting urgent response measures from health authorities.
Minister of Health Hon. Dr Ána Kauola confirmed the first case of dengue fever last Friday. Since then, the number of cases has increased to 10 confirmed infections, with the majority reported in Tongatapu. The most affected age group is between 12 and 17 years old. Health officials warn that more cases are expected due to ongoing heavy rain and adverse weather conditions, which provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes responsible for transmitting the virus.
Health Officials on High Alert
The Officers in Charge of Health in all outer island groups have been placed on high alert. Medical practitioners have been urged to maintain a high index of suspicion for early detection and treatment of dengue fever cases. Meanwhile, public health outbreak response teams have been deployed to conduct investigations, trace contacts, and implement vector control and prevention strategies.
Understanding Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that spreads from person to person through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The Ministry of Health is urging the public not to panic but to be well-informed about the symptoms and to seek medical attention at the first signs of infection.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever Include:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headaches
- Pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Rash appearing 3-4 days after fever onset
Severe cases may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding gums, and vomiting blood, requiring immediate medical attention.
Prevention and Response Efforts
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other technical partners, is actively mobilizing resources to strengthen disease surveillance, implement community-wide clean-up initiatives, and promote preventive measures.
Vector control efforts include:
- Eliminating mosquito breeding sites by removing stagnant water around homes and communities.
- Encouraging the use of mosquito repellents, bed nets, and protective clothing.
- Conducting widespread fumigation in high-risk areas.
Public Urged to Take Precautions
Health officials are calling on communities to take proactive steps in protecting themselves from mosquito bites and to maintain proper hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease. The public is encouraged to report symptoms early and to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing severe complications.
As the situation develops, health authorities will continue to monitor and provide updates to ensure public safety and to control the outbreak effectively.
