In a follow-up on the dengue fever outbreak in Tonga, since my last report on Monday, 72 additional cases have been reported on the island. This brings the outbreak total to 266 as of today.
The majority of confirmed cases are reported from Vava’u (149), with the rest from Tongatapu (85) and ‘Eua (32). No deaths have been reported.
Dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) is the responsible virus for this current outbreak in Tonga.
Ongoing case investigation and vector control to hot spot and high risk areas, and awareness programs to communities including the Monfort Technical Institute, GMS Lapaha, GPS Hofoa in Tongatapu; also GPS Talihau, GPS Útungake, GPS Útulei and GPS Pangaimotu in Vava’u.
Dengue is a disease caused by a virus spread through mosquito bites. The disease can take up to 2 weeks to develop with illness generally lasting less than a week.
Symptoms from dengue include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, and minor bleeding.
Dengue can become severe within a few hours. Severe dengue is a medical emergency, usually requiring hospitalization.
In severe cases, health effects can include hemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding), shock (seriously low blood pressure), organ failure, and death.
Thank you for the update, I have a family member from Tonga and is planning a visit with a young child soon so this is a good reminder to discuss risk prevention strategies with them. BTW, anyone have information when the Qdenga dengue fever vaccine may be considered again by FDA again? I know it is available in EU and UK along with some other countries, would be great to protect US travelers the same!