Tonga reports 339 dengue fever cases, health ministry states

Tonga is facing a dengue fever outbreak, with cases continuing to rise. The Tongan health ministry reported that there are now 339 confirmed cases of the virus. The outbreak was officially declared last month. Most cases are in the Vava'u region, which has 190 cases. Tongatapu has 110 cases, and 'Eua has 39. Young people are the most affected group, particularly those aged 10 to 19. The youngest confirmed case is a baby who is only four months old. Health officials are focusing on testing people with moderate or severe symptoms. Those with mild symptoms are advised to stay home. To help control the outbreak, the health ministry is urging the public to get rid of mosquito breeding grounds around homes and schools. They recommend wearing protective clothing and using mosquito nets and repellents. So far, no deaths from dengue fever have been reported in Tonga.