Dengue in Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Kiribati
Samoa
In a follow-up on the dengue fever outbreak in Samoa, ss of 21 April 2025, the Ministry of Health reported six lab-confirmed dengue cases in EpiWeek 16; 14 – 20 April 2025, bringing the total confirmed cases to 21 and one reported death since the declaration of the outbreak on 17 April 2025.
Most of the cases have been reported at Moto’otua Main Hospital particularly in the Northwest of Upolu with all age groups affected. Currently the dengue serotype is undetermined. The Ministry of Health is actively monitoring the situation, strengthening response efforts, urging the public to take preventive measures against mosquito bites and to seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
Tonga
As of 28 April 2025, the Ministry of Health reported six new dengue cases, bringing the total confirmed cases to 588 since the declaration of the Outbreak on 19 February 2025, primarily affecting 10-19-year-olds.
Two dengue-related deaths have been reported to date and eight patients are currently hospitalized and in stable condition.
Authorities continue case investigations, vector control at hot spot areas and public awareness efforts, urging residents to eliminate breeding sites, use protective measures, and seek medical attention for severe symptoms. The serotype that is responsible for this current outbreak is Dengue Virus Type 2 (DENV-2) identified by the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Melbourne Australia.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands Ministry of Health has confirmed four dengue cases in Rarotonga, with no hospitalizations reported. The first case was imported, the 2nd case cannot be determined however, based on the onset of symptoms, it was possibly acquired while overseas, the last two reported cases were acquired locally.
The Health Ministry is developing a response plan, and a declaration of an outbreak would follow WHO guidelines. Testing samples are being sent for further testing to determine which dengue serotype the cases have.
Kiribati
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has confirmed that dengue fever is currently ongoing in Tarawa and Betio, with 10 confirmed cases.
Heavy rainfall and increased communal gatherings are contributing to the spread, and the public is advised to use mosquito nets, repellents, and maintain cleanliness to prevent mosquito breeding. Key symptoms include fever, severe headaches, joint pains, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash, and individuals should seek medical attention if these symptoms appear.