Declaration of Dengue Fever Outbreak for Tonga

Country: Tonga Source: Government of Tonga Please refer to the attached file. Nuku’alofa, Tonga: The Ministry of Health officially declares a dengue fever outbreak in Tonga as the number of confirmed and suspected cases continues to increase in Tongatapu, Ha’apai and ‘Eua. All these cases do not have any evidence of linkage which strongly indicates community transmission across these 3 island groups. There are 6 confirmed and 7 suspected cases, and majority of them from Ha’apai with ages ranging from 10 to 35 years. More cases are expected due to the presence of the responsible vectors (Aedes mosquitoes) and the ongoing rain and adverse weather conditions which favor breeding sites for the mosquitoes. The Ministry continues to monitor the spread of the disease, and the public is urged to assist in preventing further spread by maintaining household and community cleanliness, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using mosquito repellents and bed nets, and wearing protective clothing. The Ministry reminds the public that dengue fever is contagious, it spreads from person to person through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The public is also urged not to panic but to learn about dengue fever and present early to a medical facility if they develop symptoms. Dengue Fever symptoms include: Sudden high fever Severe headaches Pain behind the eyes Joint and muscle pain Nausea Vomiting Swollen glands Rash that appears 3-4 days after fever begins Severe symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bleeding gums and vomiting blood or any other form of bleeding require immediate medical attention. The public is encouraged to remain calm and follow the advice from the Ministry and the health workers on the ground. Dr. Reynold ‘Ofanoa Chief Executive Officer Ministry of Health

Read full story on Reliefweb