An eight-year-old boy from Tongatapu has died from dengue fever, marking the third fatality in Tonga’s ongoing outbreak.
The Ministry of Health confirmed the death today, following the earlier deaths of a 19-year-old woman and a seven-month-old infant on 24 and 25 April, respectively, at Vaiola Hospital.
Health Minister Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola reported during today’s government press conference that the majority of positive cases are emerging from the Ma’ufanga district, including Houmakelikao, Popua, and Fangaloto. She warned that if the situation deteriorates, authorities may declare a state of emergency, akin to measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of today, the cumulative number of dengue cases has reached 625, with seven new cases identified through rapid testing. Nine patients are currently hospitalised—eight at Vaiola Hospital and one at Princess Fusipala Hospital—all reported to be in stable condition.
The outbreak, first confirmed on 13 February, is attributed to Dengue Virus Type 2 (DENV-2). However, Dr ‘Akau’ola has expressed concerns about the potential presence of other strains, noting that samples have been sent to New Zealand for further testing.
The outbreak in Tonga coincides with similar dengue surges in the Pacific region, including Fiji and Samoa, raising regional health concerns.
