As of today, 13 new cases of Dengue Fever were reported with positive rapid tests, which brings up the total cumulative cases to 266 in Tonga, the Ministry of Health stated in its Situation Report for 14 March.

Dr Joseph Takai, Health Emergency Operation Centre, reported that:

• A majority of confirmed cases from Vava’u (149), with Tongatapu (85) and ‘Eua (32).
• 11 cases are currently hospitalized (6 Prince Ngu, 1 Niu’eiki, 4 Vaiola). All in stable condition.
• No dengue-related death reported to date.
• Age group mostly affected is 10-19 years old. Youngest age affected is a 7 months old baby boy.
• Dengue Virus Type 2 (DENV-2) is found in this current outbreak in Tonga.

Response Activities

There is ongoing case investigation and vector control to hot spots and high risk areas, and awareness programs to communities, including the Monfort Technical Institute, GMS Lapaha, GPS Hofoa in Tongatapu; also GPS Talihau, GPS Útungake, GPS Útulei and GPS Pangaimotu in Vava’u.

“The Ministry appreciates the ongoing support from the people and communities, Government Ministries and NGOs, and stakeholders, as well as the continuous technical supports from WHO and UNICEF,” he stated.

Recommendations for the Public

1. Continue to clean up and destroy mosquito breeding sites around the home and schools.
2. Wear appropriate clothing to minimize mosquito bites.
3. Use mosquito nets and repellents such as lotion and spray.
4. If you are sick, watch out for severe symptoms and seek medical attention immediately

Dengue Fever Symptoms

• 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 require immediate medical attention.”

For medical advice please contact the Ministry of Health on: 7400874, 7400875, or 7401813, or visit the nearest health facility.

Fakamatala Mahu’inga

• ‘I he ‘aho ni, ko e puke fo’ou ‘e 13 he tengi kuo lipooti mai, fakakatoa e kau puke he tengi ko e toko 266.
• Ko e tokolahi taha mei Vava’u (149) pea toenga ‘i Tongatapu (85) mo ‘Eua (32).
• Ko e toko 11 ‘oku nau takoto he falemahaki (6 Pilinisi Ngu, 1 Niu’eiki, 4 Vaiola). ‘Oku fakafiemalie kotoa pe.
• ‘Oku kei hala pe ha taha ‘e mate mei he tengi ‘e lipooti mai.
• Ko e ta’umotu’a ‘oku uesia lahi taha ko e ta’u 10-19. Ko e ta’u si’isi’i taha ‘oku puke he tengi ko e pepee mahina 7.
• Ko e Vailasi Tengi Taipe 2 ‘oku ne fakatupunga ‘a e to’umahaki ‘oku lolotonga tō ‘i Tonga ni.

Ngaahi Ngaue ‘oku Fakahoko

‘Oku hokohoko atu ai pe hono muimui’i ‘oe kau puke, kau ai hono fana mo faka’auha e fanau’anga e namu ‘i honau ngaahi ‘apinofo’anga, pehe ki he talatalanoa ki he ngaahi ako’anga lautohi GMS Lapaha, GPS Hofoa moe Ako fakatekinikale Monifooti ‘i Tongatapu; pea ki he GPS Talihau, GPS Útungake, GPS Útulei pea mo e GPS Pangaimotu ‘i Vava’u.

“'Oku fakamalo’ia ai pe ‘e he Potungaue Mo’ui ‘a e kakai ‘o e fonua, ngaahi potungaue pehe ki he ngaahi hoa fengaue’aki kotoa pe, mo e tokoni fakatekinikale ‘a e WHO mo e UNICEF ‘i he ngaue fakataha ki hono ta’ota’ofi e to’umahaki tengi.”

Ngaahi Fale’i ki he Kakai

1. Faka’auha e ngaahi toka’anga vai ‘e ala fakafanau ai e namu ‘i he ngaahi ‘API mo e AKO’ANGA.
2. Tui ha ngaahi vala malu ke malu’i kimoutolu mei he kai ‘a e namu.
3. Ngaue’aki ha tainamu pe ko ha ngaahi kilimi pe hina fana ki hono tamate’i pe tuli e namu.
4. Kapau ‘oku ongo’i puke pea ma’u e ngaahi faka’ilonga fakatu’utamaki e mofi tengi, feinga leva ki ha tokoni fakafaito’o he vave taha.

Ngaahi Faka’ilonga e Tengi:

• Mofi lahi
• Langa’ulu lahi
• Langa e tu’a mata
• Felangaaki sino moe hokotangahui
• Tokakovi mo e lua
• Fefulai ngaahi lama
• Fefele he kili ‘asi hili ‘aho 3-4 mei he kamata ‘a e mofi.

“Faka’ilonga ‘o e pukelahi he tengi ko e langakete, fanoa toto he te’enifo, pe lua toto, pea ‘oku fiema’u ke feinga leva ki ha tokoni fakafaito’o.”

Ki ha ngaahi fehu’i pe fiema’u fale’i, fetu’utaki ki he Potungaue Mo’ui ‘i he ngaahi fika ko’eni: 7400874, 7400875 pe 7401813, pe fetu’utaki ki he falemahaki pe senita ofi taha.