Latest news with #denguefever
RNZ News
7 hours ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Another child dies from dengue in Samoa - more than 2200 cases since January
Map of lab-confirmed dengue cases by village, January 2025 to last Ministry of Health update covering July 21-27. Photo: Samoa Ministry of Health A third child has reportedly died from dengue fever in Samoa. Samoa has recorded more than 2270 dengue cases since the start of the year. In its lastest update, for the week of 21-27 July, the Ministry of Health reported there were 1350 dengue-like illness cases reported, 521 of which were laboratory-confirmed to be dengue fever. Local media are reporting a third dengue death from the country - a five-year-old who died at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital. The child's mother told the Samoa Observer: "She had a fever, was vomiting, and she kept saying her head and tummy hurt. We took her to the hospital on Sunday, and by Tuesday at 8am, she passed away. I miss her every moment." There is also an unconfirmed report of a fourth death - another child. The Health Ministry said that, of lab-confirmed cases, 71 percent of those affected are under 15 years old. It is reiterating its messages for people to clean up and remove stagnant water sources which are potential breeding sites for mosquitoes; and to wear suitable clothing and use mosquito nets and repellents. The Oceania Football Confederation said it is monitoring the outbreak with the under-16 women's championship scheduled to begin on Friday . Last week, the World Health Organisation's Pacific technical support director Dr Mark Jacobs told Pacific Waves that July regional data showed the number of suspected dengue cases at 18,766 - the highest since 2016 . A breakdown of the WHO July data showed spread of the disease had been highest in Fiji, which had 13,702 suspected cases, followed by Tonga (2087) and French Polynesia or Mā'ohi Nui (1079).
RNZ News
12 hours ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Dengue precautions in place as Samoa prepares for U16 women's tournament
Samoa's Ayres Ava on attack against the Cook Islands during the OFC 2024 Under-16 Women's Championship in Fiji. Photo: Kirk Corrie / The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) 2025 Under-16 Women's Championship scheduled to kick off in Apia on Friday will go ahead despite the current dengue fever outbreak in the country. In a statement sent to RNZ Pacific, the OFC it was closely monitoring the situation. "OFC is working in collaboration with Samoa Football and local health authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants," it said. "As a precaution, all competition venues have been fumigated, and OFC is providing mosquito repellent to players, team staff, and officials," the OFC said. "A comprehensive tournament health protocol is in place, which includes preventative advice and guidance for all attending delegations. The health and safety of everyone involved remains our top priority." The Samoa National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) said on Tuesday that they are continuing with the national dengue fever fumigation campaign across schools. Schools have been closed while the fumigation work continues. A total of 102 schools were fumigated on Monday as part of the nationwide dengue prevention effort. Samoa Football Federation (SFA) said it had taken measures to ensure players and officials participating in the tournament were not affected by the dengue fever outbreak. A statement from SFA said officials have worked with hotels that will house teams to assess their preparedness for safeguarding guests. "In light of the recent dengue fever outbreak in Samoa, we proactively visited each hotel where our team will be staying over the weekend to assess their preparedness for safeguarding guests against this health concern," it stated on Monday. "We were pleased to discover that the hotels have implemented several comprehensive measures. "They have already conducted thorough spraying to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds, each room is equipped with repellent, ensuring guests have easy access to protection while they relax. "Hand sanitisers will be readily available throughout the premises, promoting good hygiene practices and the hotels are committed to maintaining a clean and safe environment, offering peace of mind to everyone staying with them. "These proactive steps reflect a strong commitment to guest safety and well-being during our visit." Eight teams will compete in the competition, including Fiji, American Samoa, Samoa, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Solomon Islands and Tonga.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
‘Breakbone fever' outbreak imminent in UK, warns expert – plus the ‘CLOAK' method to help prevent it
WHILE Brits have been basking in the recent hot weather, a bite prevention expert has warned it's the perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes in the UK. And that an outbreak of dengue fever could be on the way. 1 It's that time of year again when the sky is awash with mosquitoes. With lots of stagnant water around from the recent thunderstorms, followed by hot weather, expert Howard Carter, creator of Incognito insect repellents, said there are record numbers about. He explained: "People are already getting eating alive and coming to me for advice." As well as causing itchy, red bumps with their bites, mosquitoes can also transmit a number of diseases. The risk from vector-borne diseases - illnesses transmitted to humans by organisms such as mosquitoes and ticks - in the UK is increasing, according to the UK Health Security Agency. Global travel and trade and changing land use among the causes. "In fact last year there were record numbers of people bringing back dengue and malaria," added Carter. He continued: 'They're out for blood." The Asian tiger mosquito, aedes albopictus, which can carry dengue, is present in the UK, but currently does not carry the dengue fever virus. But because UK residents are bringing back more mosquito-borne diseases from overseas travel, it's only a matter of time before there is a dengue outbreak on these shores, Carter warned. Dengue Fever: What You Need to Know "It's a similar story with malaria, which had a resurgence after Covid,' he added. 'With the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting record numbers of dengue cases worldwide, it won't be long before the Asian tiger mosquitoes will reach the UK in huge numbers.' Most people who get dengue will not have symptoms. But for those who do, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash. The body aches can make sufferers feel like their bones are breaking, which is why the infection is often nicknamed 'breakbone fever'. Dengue fever is considered a significant public health concern, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, as it can lead to severe illness and even death if not managed properly, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. One of the best things you can do to prevent an outbreak occurring is to prevent getting bitten, said Carter, who recommends using the CLOAK method at home and abroad. The CLOAK method C – Cover up arms and legs with suitable clothing. L – Light coloured clothes are strongly advisable because mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours. O – Odours bodily or ordinary scented washing products and perfumes can be strong attractants. So wash with citronella or other repellent shower gels, shampoo and soaps. If you are a mosquito magnet exfoliate with a loofah. A – Apply an effective, preferably natural, insect repellent containing PMD. " Incognito contains the purest PMD, so is therefore stronger and is clinically proven to provide 100 per cent protection," said Carter. K – Keep away from stagnant water if possible. Many mosquitoes tend to zero in on the ears, wrists and ankles, because this is where skin is thinner and blood vessels are nearer the surface. So Carter says it's a good idea to wash with a soap or loofah that contains citronella, then spray and use a moisturiser containing a clinically proven repellent. "But always use the spray last," he adds. "Use protection on any exposed skin and spray your clothing as well; mosquitoes can and will bite through fabric, even thick jeans! "Spray an insect repellent on and around your door before entering, as mosquitoes often lie in wait on the outside of doors and windows and this simple procedure helps to keep them out." What are the symptoms of dengue fever? Dengue won't always cause symptoms, according to NHS guidance. But if you do experience some, they'll usually come on four to 10 days after an infected mosquito bites you. The symptoms can be similar to the flu and include: Fever Severe headache Pain behind the eyes Muscle and joint pain Nausea and vomiting Widespread rash Abdominal pain Loss of appetite There is no cure or specific treatment. Patients can relieve their symptoms via painkillers, staying hydrated and resting. In rare cases, dengue symptoms can develop into severe dengue. Elderly patients, or those with other medical conditions, are most at risk. Severe dengue fever symptoms can include: Severe skin bleeding with spots of blood on and under the skin Blood in the urine and stools Respiratory distress - when the lungs cannot provide the vital organs with enough oxygen Organ failure Changes in mental state and unconsciousness Dangerously low blood pressure You should call 999 or go to A&E if you experience any of the severe symptoms.
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Urgent warning to Aussie travellers as worst outbreak in 10 years strikes Pacific nations
Australian travellers are being warned to take caution when visiting several popular holiday destinations in the Pacific, as dengue fever cases spike to their highest numbers in a decade. Thousands of people have been infected in multiple countries and at least two children have died, with the virus affecting an alarmingly high number of young people. There are currently more than 18,000 suspected cases of dengue in the Pacific, with that number still expected to rise. Among the countries with a confirmed outbreak are Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, the Cook Islands and Kiribati. Other countries, including French Polynesia, American Samoa, Nauru and Tuvalu, have also reported cases of dengue fever. The mosquito-borne virus has similar symptoms to a bad flu or Covid virus, which can make it difficult to diagnose without a blood test. Symptoms typically include sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and a faint red rash. The latest data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows the disease has spread the most rapidly in Fiji, Tonga and French Polynesia. Two children die after getting dengue Officials in Samoa reported that a staggering 87 per cent of the infected have been children and teenagers. On July 13, eight-year-old Faith Melchoir became the second child in the country to die from dengue. The first was 12-year-old Misiafa Lene, who died in New Zealand after being flown out of Samoa on an emergency medevac flight back in April. The nation's government even delayed the start of term 3 for some primary schools this week due to the increasing number of children infected with the virus. Dr Nancy Wong from the World Health Organisation Representative Office for the South Pacific told Yahoo News there's a reason why young people are more highly represented in the statistics. "Because being infected with a strain of dengue usually provides lifelong immunity against that strain, children can be at much higher risk of being infected when the strain is reintroduced into the country," she said. "Many adults would have been infected previously, meaning they are protected from reinfection with that strain." There are four strains of dengue, with two currently in the Pacific. Once someone recovers from the disease, they generally get life-long immunity — but only to that strain. Dr Wong said there are a number of factors that are contributing to the surge in cases this year. These include: Increased rainfall and higher temperatures that mosquitoes favour. Climate change can contribute to these weather conditions Increased international movement of people, and the possibility of a person infected with a different strain arriving in a new country Large gaps between outbreaks can mean there is a new generation of people who haven't previously been exposed to the virus Stronger disease surveillance and reporting can appear to raise the number of cases The WHO advises that even a bottle cap can contain enough water for a mosquito to breed, and urges locals to do their part to clean up any potential mosquito breeding sites. Drains, gutters, bottles, buckets, wheelbarrows and even spare tyres could all collect water and turn into a breeding ground. Should Aussie travellers be worried? Making the decision to postpone or cancel a trip due to a dengue outbreak is an entirely personal choice. While no experts are advising that affected countries be avoided, the SmartTraveller website does suggest to use caution when visiting some of the Pacific nations. Dr Wong said those headed to any tropical destinations — not just in the Pacific — should be aware of the risks. "Dengue fever is widespread globally, it's estimated that about half the world's population is now at risk," she said. "So being aware of dengue and how to protect yourself is very important for travellers to many parts of the world, and particularly to tropical and subtropical countries. "The types of mosquitoes that can spread dengue bite during the day, and especially in the few hours after dawn, and the few hours before sunset." Dr Wong added the best way to lower the risk of getting the disease is to: wear clothes that cover as much of your body as possible use mosquito nets for sleeping during the day, ideally nets sprayed with insect repellent use door and window screens use mosquito repellents (containing DEET, Picaridin or IR3535) use coils and vaporisers. "Dengue fever often causes no symptoms, but in some people, it can be a severe and life-threatening illness," she said. "It's important to understand the symptoms of dengue and especially severe dengue, and to seek medical care if you experience these symptoms." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
RNZ News
22-07-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
'Biggest number we've had': Pacific dengue cases highest in a decade
The Asian tiger mosquito is one of the vectors responsible for transmitting dengue fever. Photo: SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Dengue cases in the Pacific are at their highest since 2016, with nearly 19,000 people affected, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says. The new figures come as multiple nations in the region grapple with outbreaks and surging case numbers. Just last week, Samoa confirmed a second child with the disease had died this year. Overall, nine dengue-related deaths have been reported across the region. WHO's Pacific Techincal Support director Dr Mark Jacobs told Pacific Waves that July regional data showed the number of suspected dengue cases was at 18,766 - the highest since 2016. "We've been seeing a gradual increase in dengue in the Pacific for at least the last couple of decades. But looking at the last 10 years, what we tend to see is peaks in some years and then lower levels in other years. "This year, so far, we're up to two more than 18,000 suspected cases of dengue….that's the biggest number that we've had certainly in the last 10 years. Of those, 12,040 were laboratory-confirmed cases. Jacobs said the high case numbers were due to a range of factors, including the movement of people between Pacific nations. "The virus that causes dengue fever basically lives in people and lives in mosquitoes. And so for a lot of the…smaller Pacific countries, they haven't got enough people for the virus to keep on circulating all the time. "What tends to happen in those…Pacific countries is, if there's an outbreak somewhere else in the Pacific, or somewhere where there's people moving to and from, someone might come into that country from another country [where] they've already been infected…and bring the virus back." Climate change and shifting weather patterns in the region also increased the risk around dengue spread, he said. The lack of understanding around dengue hot-spots was another risk factor. "It's actually most common in urban settings and semi-urban settings, so towns and villages where there's quite a few people living. [That's where] the mosquito is very comfortable living - in and around people's houses." A breakdown of the WHO July data, showed spread of the disease had been highest in Fiji, which had 13,702 suspected cases, followed by Tonga (2087) and French Polynesia or Mā'ohi Nui (1079). The data also showed numbers appeared to have peaked in March. However, in recent months, there had been a resurgence in spread of the virus. In particular, it had been found in previously unaffected nations like American Sāmoa, Nauru and Tuvalu. Jacobs said the four different strains of dengue also added to challenges around preventing spread and illness. This was because immunity to dengue was generally dependent on individual strains. "If you've been infected in the past with type one dengue, then you're unlikely to get that sort of dengue again," he said. "But if…a different strain of the of the dengue virus comes into the country some years later - dengue type two for instance - then all the people who've been infected with type one before, who've been protected against getting type one again, they could all get type two." Jacobs said that transmission pattern often triggered big outbreaks. It also contributed to more severe illness from dengue. "If somebody's had dengue more than once, in other words, if they've had it with a couple of the different strains a few years apart, they're the people most likely to get really, really severely ill with dengue. "And so we see more of the severe dengue, more complications of dengue in those people." In Samoa, the acting director-general of health Tagaloa Dr Robert Thomsen said the government was prioritising mosquito spraying of areas and buildings where people gathered in its response. These included schools and sites like the Victim Support centre and National University of Sāmoa, he said. Tangaloa confirmed the recent dengue-related death was an eight-year-old girl. She died on Sunday 13 July. Misiafa Lene, 12, died in April after contracting dengue. As of 13 July, the number of laboratory-confirmed dengue cases was 1276 in Samoa. "For the past three weeks - excluding this week - we've seen an increase of about 100 confirmed cases per week," Tagaloa said. "Our biggest challenge at the moment…is the paediatric age group - children below 15 years of age. [They] appear to be the ones that are mostly affected."
