The Tongan government has officially declared a dengue fever outbreak in the Kingdom.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health reported a significant rise in suspected cases across Tonga’s three main island groups—Tongatapu, Vava’u, and ‘Eua.
Health Minister Dr. Ana Akoula confirmed that the first case was detected last Friday, and since then, 10 additional cases have been recorded. The majority of infections have been reported on Tongatapu, Tonga’s main island, with most cases affecting individuals between the ages of 12 and 17.
“With ongoing rain and unfavorable weather conditions creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, we anticipate more cases in the coming days,” the minister warned. Health officials in the outer islands have been placed on high alert and urged to remain vigilant for early detection and treatment of cases.
The Ministry of Health also reminded the public that dengue fever spreads through mosquito bites and is not transmitted directly from person to person. Residents have been advised to stay informed, recognize the symptoms, and seek medical attention if they experience signs of the illness.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headaches
- Pain behind the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Rash appearing 3–4 days after the onset of fever
Last month, both Samoa and Fiji also declared dengue outbreaks, with Fiji’s outbreak centered in the western division of Viti Levu, the country’s largest island.
