Dengue Fever Outbreaks Hit Pacific Island Nations, Tourists Warned
A medical expert has warned of an increasing risk of developing severe dengue in the Pacific, following a number of nations reporting outbreaks of the disease. Idyllic holiday destinations including the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji have all been hit by cases of dengue, which is spread by infected mosquitoes.
According to Dr Berlin Kafoa, director of the public health division at The Pacific Community, dengue is "actively circulating" in at least six Pacific island nations. He warned: "There is a growing incidence of severe dengue amongst children and youth with no prior dengue exposure. There are older adults coming from areas historically free of dengue. This suggests immunity gaps." (Source:
