A dengue fever outbreak was today declared by the Ministry of Health, after confirming six cases of dengue fever across Tonga. More cases are expected.
The Ministry of Health stated the number of confirmed and suspected cases continues to increase in Tongatapu, Ha’apai and ‘Eua.
All of the six cases do not have any evidence of linkage, which strongly indicates community transmission across these 3 island groups.
There are 6 confirmed and 7 suspected cases, and majority of them from Ha’apai with ages ranging from 10 to 35 years.
"More cases are expected due to the presence of the responsible vectors (Aedes mosquitoes) and the ongoing rain and adverse weather conditions which favor breeding sites for the mosquitoes," MOH stated.
The Ministry continues to monitor the spread of the disease, and the public is urged to assist in preventing further spread by maintaining household and community cleanliness, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using mosquito repellents and bed nets, and wearing protective clothing.
The Ministry reminds the public that dengue fever is contagious, it spreads from person to person through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
The public is also urged not to panic but to learn about dengue fever and present early to a medical facility if they develop symptoms.
Dengue Fever symptoms include:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headaches
- Pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Rash that appears 3-4 days after fever begins
Severe symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bleeding gums and vomiting blood or any other form of bleeding require immediate medical attention.
The public is encouraged to remain calm and follow the advice from the Ministry and the health workers on the ground.
