Dengue fever reported in Tuvalu
Health officials on the Pacific island country of Tuvalu, an island with a population of slightly more than 10,000 people, issued a public health alert last week confirming the detection of dengue fever on the island.
The health ministry urges the public to take immediate precautions to prevent mosquito breeding sites and bites. These measures include eliminating standing water, using mosquito nets and repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, keeping surroundings clean and to seek medical attention when symptoms arise.
Dengue in Tuvalu may strain limited healthcare resources. Rising sea levels create ideal mosquito habitats. Climate change exacerbates outbreaks. Some rare dengue strains can cause neurological symptoms like encephalitis or Guillain-Barré syndrome.