The dengue outbreak in Tonga has exceeded 500 cases recorded, with eight new cases of dengue fever reported with positive rapid tests today, bringing the total cumulative number of cases to 520. Eight cases are in a stable condition in hospital.

The majority of confirmed cases are from Vava’u with 276 cases, Tongatapu with 192 cases, ‘Eua with 51 cases, and Ha'apai with one case.

Eight cases are currently hospitalized, seven in Vaiola Hospital and one in Niu'eiki, all in stable condition, the Ministry of Health reported.

The age group mostly affected is 10-19 years old, with youngest age affected being 2 months old.

Dengue Virus Type 2 (DENV-2) is the responsible virus for this current outbreak in Tonga.

Health response

The Ministry of Health (MOH) continues to investigate cases and perform vector control in hot spots and high risk areas.

Health officials urged communities 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.

Dengue fever symptoms

Dengue fever symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash that appears 3-4 days after fever
begins. Severe symptoms includes abdominal pain, bleeding gums, and vomiting blood requires immediate medical attention.

No dengue-related death has been reported to date.

The Ministry of Health is currently unable to track recovered cases, but it is assumed that most of the 520 cases identified have recovered, since the outbreak began in early February.