Dengue Fever returns to Tonga with outbreak declared, ministry says

Dengue is back in Tonga and cases are already climbing.

As of 20 April, there are 24 confirmed cases across the country including four new cases reported in just one day.

The Ministry of Health declared an outbreak on 17 April after a rise in confirmed and suspected cases with signs the virus is spreading in the community.

The outbreak is affecting Tongatapu, Ha‘apai, and ‘Eua with the highest numbers recorded in Tongatapu and Ha‘apai.

Young people are being hit the hardest.

Health officials say those aged between 11 and 15 are among the most affected, along with adolescents and young adults.

Two people are currently in hospital. No deaths have been reported.

The ministry says recent rain and poor weather have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, which carry dengue.

Watch Television Tonga's news update on the dengue outbreak below.

A red alert for dengue is now in place with health teams continuing to monitor the situation and carry out testing to confirm the virus type.

This latest outbreak comes just seven months after Tonga declared its previous dengue outbreak over.

That outbreak, declared in February last year saw 907 cases and three deaths, a reminder of how quickly dengue can spread if not controlled.

Health authorities are urging people to stay calm but take precautions seriously especially as cases continue to emerge.

Simple steps like clearing standing water, using mosquito protection and seeking medical care early can help limit the spread.

For now, the focus is on containing the outbreak before it grows. But with conditions still favourable for mosquitoes, officials say the public’s response will be key in the days ahead.