As of yesterday, March 3, Tonga has reported 99 confirmed cases of dengue fever, with eleven patients currently hospitalized. The cases are distributed across Tongatapu (43), Vava’u (40), and ‘Eua (16), while Ha’apai has remained free of the virus.
The Ministry of Health has identified Dengue Virus Type 2 (DENV-2) as the cause of the outbreak, following blood tests sent to New Zealand. The most affected age group is 10-19 years old, with the youngest patient being an eight-month-old baby.
In response, environmental health inspectors in Tongatapu are conducting targeted mosquito spraying in high-risk schools and homes. However, the Ministry emphasizes that spraying only kills adult mosquitoes and does not eliminate larvae, highlighting the importance of community action in removing breeding sites.
The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to clean up and destroy mosquito breeding sites around homes and schools, wear appropriate clothing to minimize mosquito bites, use mosquito nets and repellents, and seek medical attention immediately if severe symptoms occur.
