There is an increasing risk of developing severe dengue in the Pacific after a number of nations reported outbreaks, a medical expert has warned. 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.
Experts have warned that children and young adults are increasingly contracting a severe but rare type of dengue, which is also known as dengue fever. Dr Berlin Kafoa, director of the public health division at The Pacific Community, said 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.”
“The real risk of severe dengue is rising,” he added in a Q&A with the New Zealand Science Media Centre.
“Severe cases and fatalities are being reported, especially among youth. Dengue should not be dismissed as a mild illness, it can be life-threatening.”
Dr Kafoa, along with other experts, warned climate change is expanding mosquito habitats, while the increased movement of people is also a significant factor in rising dengue cases.
Fiji has had the most infections in the Pacific region, figures published last month show, with around 8,000 infections and four deaths.
Dr Gregor Devine from the World Mosquito Programme warned there is a “relentlessly upwards” shift in global dengue infections.
He said: “The upward trend in dengue case numbers regionally will inevitably stress public health systems and impact family well-being (through both the health and economic costs of hospitalisation and the lost earnings of the sick).”
Dr Devine said with vaccines “years away from being universally affordable and applicable”, sustainable methods are needed to combat the spread of the disease.
Dr Joan Ingram, medical advisor at the New Zealand-based Immunisation Advisory Centre, said the Pacific Islands are “vulnerable” to dengue outbreaks due to “high levels of mosquitoes”.
She said: “Dengue is often a leading cause of fever in risk countries. Estimates are that around 6 in 1000 travellers spending a month in a risk area become unwell with dengue, with up to 30% of them being hospitalised.
“People should regularly apply effective repellent as well as using light-coloured clothing to cover up. In addition, they should take steps to reduce mosquitoes indoors (such as screens on windows and doors), and in the environment by emptying any water-holding containers.”
The NHS says dengue fever is not usually serious and typically gets better on its own.
It says it is very common in certain parts of the world and often found in tropical areas, including parts of Africa and Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Pacific islands and some southern areas of North America.
Dengue is not found in the UK, but it has been found in parts of southern Europe between Spring and November.
It causes symptoms similar to flu, such as a high temperature, severe headache, muscle and joint pain and feeling or being sick.
However, severe dengue, which is rare, can include symptoms such as severe tummy pain, repeatedly being sick and fast breathing.