Tonga dengue outbreak update: 88 cases to date

In a follow-up on the Tonga dengue outbreak declared on February 19, government officials now report 88 cases through March 2.

Cases have been reported from Tongatapu (38), Vava’u (36) and ‘Eua (14), mostly in 10-19 years old with the youngest age affected being 8-months old.

Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash

No dengue-related death reported to date.

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

The Health Ministry reports ongoing preventative activities including vector control in hot spot and high risk areas, and health talks to the FWC Sopu, FWC Fasi moe Afi, FWC Houmakelikao and Roman Catholic Ma’ufanga.

Officials remind the public to:

1. Continue to clean up and destroy mosquito breeding sites around the HOME and SCHOOLS.

2. Wear appropriate clothing to minimize mosquito bites.

3. Use mosquito nets and repellents such as lotion and spray.

4. If you are sick, watch out for severe symptoms and seek medical attention immediately.