High risk for dengue fever during Tonga's warm weather [1]
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Monday, March 10, 2014 - 18:00
Tonga remains at high risk for dengue fever after two cases were reported in Tongatapu last month, said the Director of Health. He advised the public to become more vigilant in prevention efforts, while the weather is warm. Tonga's near neighbour, Fiji, is currently facing its worst outbreak of dengue in 16-years with eight reported to have died there since February 28.
Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola said the mosquito-borne viral infection was present in Tonga and preventing the spread of the infection was vital.
He said Tonga was fortunate that only two persons from Nukunuku and Tofoa had caught dengue fever recently. The patients had recovered. Health officials had since sprayed these areas for mosquitoes and there had been no further cases from there.
“The Ministry of Health is running a dengue prevention campaign through a radio program, advising people on ways to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, by using mosquito repellant and nets inside the house and cleaning up rubbish containing stagnant water to prevent breeding grounds for mosquitoes after the rain,” he said.
Dr 'Akau'ola said screen tests were carried out on nearly 100 people who came to Vaiola Hospital with fevers and all were confirmed negative for dengue.
“We also ran blood tests on others who had suspicious looking fevers to see if they had any of the dengue symptoms, like rashes, body and muscle aches or swollen eyelids. Although Tonga has no major outbreak of the dengue, now a lot of people have come in with fever and body aches - what we were most concerned with is that it is not dengue,” he said.
Thre have been no reports of dengue from the outer islands, but were remaining vigilant. “We are now focusing on Ha’apai and have sent a team there to spray areas where houses have been destroyed after the cyclone, because these are high risks areas,” he said.
Dr 'Akau'ola said that the summer was also the normal time for flu viruses because people were travelling a lot. “All we can do is advise people on dengue sypmtoms and recovery, which is to take lots of rest, drink lots of water and make sure they remain hydrated, because the deaths are due to dehydration that leads to bleeding,” he said.
“If there is no outbreak of the dengue fever this month - the good news for Tonga is that we are heading into the cooler season in April and the mosquitoes will go away,” he said.
Fiji
Meanwhile, Fiji is facing its worst outbreak of dengue in 16-years, with eight reported to have died there since February 28.
The Fiji Times reported the deaths were confirmed by the national advisor of communicable disease, Dr Mike Kama, who revealed a further three-deaths were also being investigated. He said a total of 9,825 suspected cases were reported nationwide as of February 28.
In the Cook Islands 50 dengue cases were reported.
Health [8]