Today, Monday 24 February 2025, the Ministry of Health reported three new dengue fever (DF) cases with positive rapid tests, bringing up the total cases to 65 in the current outbreak in Tonga

.Meanwhile, ongoing response activities to hot spots and high risk areas are being carried out, including collaboration with Tonga Red Cross Society (TRCS) in distributing mosquito nets and DF brochures to affected families, communities and schools.

The majority of confirmed cases are from Tongatapu (28), and the rest from Vava’u (25) and ‘Eua (12).

The age group mostly affected is 10-19 years old.

There are total of four cases currently hospitalised in Vaiola Hospital and all are stable, the Ministry of Health stated.

Tonga Red Cross (TRCS) has distributed 286 mosquito nets to 129 houses in affected villages in Tongatapu, including Manuka, Navutoka, Matahau, and 'Atata Si'i, and Beulah College.

They will deploy to Vava'u this week to distribute mosquito nets and brochure, stated TRCS Secretary General, Sione Taumoefolau​​​​.

Recommendations for public

The Ministry of Health urged the public to continue to clean up and destroy mosquito breeding sites around homes.

They also urged people to wear appropriate clothing to minimise mosquito bites, and to use mosquito nets and repellents such as lotion and spray.

No dengue-related death reported so far.