A third death from Dengue Fever in Tonga was reported by the Ministry of Health today. An eight year old boy from Tongatapu is the latest victim of the virus.
Two others have died from dengue, a 19-year-old girl on 24 April and a seven-month-old baby on 25 April, at Vaiola Hospital in Nuku’alofa.
Two of the victims were from Kolofo'ou, and one was from Houma.
"A majority of the figures of positive tested are from the district of Ma'ufanga – including Houmakelikao, Popua, and Fangaloto," the Minister of Health, Dr. 'Ana 'Akau'ola, said today, at a media briefing in Nuku'alofa.
The Minister said that discussions have taken place within the hospital regarding the potential need to advise the public about the risks associated with mass gatherings.
The Minister said, "Should the situation worsen, we will declare this an emergency, similar to the declaration during the COVID-19 pandemic."
The Ministry of Health monitoring unit reported seven new cases identified with the positive rapid test, which brings the cumulative Dengue Fever cases to 625.
NIne cases are currently hospitalized (8 in Vaiola Hospital and 1 in Princess Fusipala Hospital) were reported to be all in a stable condition.
“Dengue Virus Type 2 (DENV-2) is the responsible virus for this current outbreak in Tonga,” they said.
All District Officers on Tongatapu were called to a meeting of the Ministry of Health today. From next week onwards theywill start village inspections and a cleanup campaign targeting mosquito breeding sites.
Response Activities
After the first dengue case was confirmed on 13 February, the Public Health Emergency Operation Center was activated.
Ongoing awareness programs to churches and workplaces, include the FWC Mangia, Ministry of Land and Natural Resources, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Justice, and Foreign Affairs; and Statistics ín Vavaú.
- Ongoing case investigation and vector control to hot spot and high risk areas.
- The ongoing support from the people and communities, Government Ministries and NGOs, and stakeholders, as well as the continuous technical support from WHO and UNICEF.
The Ministry of Health urged the public to:
- Continue to clean up and destroy mosquito breeding sites around the home and schools.
- Wear appropriate clothing to minimize mosquito bites and use mosquito nets and repellents such as lotion and spray.
- If you are sick, watch out for severe symptoms and seek medical attention immediately.
“Severe symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bleeding gums and vomiting blood require immediate medical attention.”
