Twenty two new dengue fever cases reported with positive rapid test, has brought up the total cumulative cases to 815, the Ministry of Health stated today.

The majority of confirmed cases are from Tongatapu with 438 cases, Vava’u with 310 cases, 'Eua with 63, and Ha‘apai with four cases.

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

There have been no new deaths following the three dengue-related death reported to date.

The age group mostly affected is between 10-19 years old. The youngest age affected was a two months old baby.

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

The Ministry is continuing with ongoing case investigation and vector control to hot spots and high risk areas.

The public are urged to continue to clean up and destroy mosquito breeding sites around homes and schools.

"Empty old tyres and standing water containers regularly, minimum once a week," the Ministry of Health stated.

"While majority of dengue cases are mild and show no symptoms, the illness can become severe."

There are symptoms to watch out for including, high fever (40°C) accompanied by two or more headache, nausea, vomiting, body ache, and rash.

"Even after the fever has gone away, seek immediate medical assistance if you or someone has severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, vomiting blood, rapid breathing, fatigue/restlessness."