The Ministry of Health recorded 48 new dengue fever cases, bringing the total number of cases to 58. The infection is spreading rapidly in Vava'u, which now has 26 cases.
The Public Health Emergency Operation Center has been activated.
There are 22 cases in Tongatapu and 10 in 'Eua.
The Ministry of Health declared an outbreak of Dengue Fever (DF) in Tonga on 19 February, with 10 cases reported.
By 20 February they had confirmed 52 cases, with 10 admitted to hospital.
The age group mostly affected is 10-19 years old.
There are ten individuals being hospitalized, two in Vaiola Hospital and eight in Prince Ngu Hospital, in Vava'u.
However, three of these cases are diagnosed with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), meaning they are in severe conditions.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health reported no death so far.
Response activities
The Public Health Emergency Operation Center has been activated.
Meanwhile, health inspectors are conducting case investigations and contact management within the communities.
Vector control spray has been applied to the households of confirmed dengue cases and neighboring households.
Community outreach and health awareness programs on Dengue Fever are scheduled for Manuka and Navutoka villages today.
"TV and Radio programs for public health awareness on DF is ongoing," the Ministry stated.
The surveillance team continues to collect data and information from hospitals, health centers and laboratory for monitoring of the outbreak situation and for reporting purposes.
The Ministry stated that a proposed action plan has been submitted to Cabinet for funding, to facilitate the implementation of the outbreak response including a National Clean Up Campaign to control the outbreak.
PM Hon. Dr 'Aisake Eke said today that funding has been allocated for these responses by the Ministry.
