A dengue outbreak has been declared in Tonga. One girl (12) has died with 19 confirmed cases across Tongatapu. The girl from New Zealand who died on 24 January at Vaiola Hospital was visiting family over the Christmas holidays when she caught dengue.

Ministry of Health Chief Executive Officer, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola told Matangi Tonga that dengue is not prevalent in Tonga so they were not aware there was an outbreak until the young girl was admitted to the hospital in shock and at the same time other people were showing symptoms of the disease.

“In December we picked up a couple but most of those were imported cases but we managed to contain them and make sure they don’t transmit it to another person.”

He said dengue was most probably brought into the country by people such as students returning for holidays who have being studying abroad in countries where dengue is widespread.

During the first week of January, Dr ‘Akau'ola said there were a few dengue cases but they were still linked to imported cases.

“But in the second week, then we started seeing these kids and the New Zealand girl came in around the same time.”

He said out of the 19 cases, a couple were admitted but all of them have had appropriate management and they are all recovering well.

Precaution

Dr ‘Akau'ola is urging the public to take precaution and ensure they keep away from mosquitoes.

“Use insect repellents, spray your house, wear long sleeve clothes, and sleep in bed nets if possible. Reduce the breeding sites of mosquitos by picking up rubbish, turning over any water vessels lying around.”

“And if you are unlucky and you still get dengue, then you have to drink a lot of fluid, take Panadol and rest.”

In addition, he says people with dengue need to keep away from aspirins and ibuprofen.

“Most people should recover well at home, plenty of fluid and rest. And of course when you’re sick you need to make sure you don’t get bitten otherwise it will spread.”

“If it gets worse, and you’re not able to take in fluids and if you are vomiting, and have abdominal pain or have any kind of bleeding, you must see a doctor,” he advised.

Dengue is carried by an Asian tiger mosquito distinguished by black and white markings.