The Ministry of Health has officially declared an end to the country’s dengue fever outbreak after no new cases were recorded since the last confirmed infection on 9 July.
The outbreak, which was declared on 17 April, affected Tongatapu, ‘Eua and Ha’apai over a three-month period. Health officials said the number of cases had fallen significantly, allowing the outbreak to be declared over. Throughout the response, 29 people required hospital admission and no deaths were reported.
According to the Ministry, Tongatapu recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Ha’apai and ‘Eua. No infections were reported in Vava’u or the Niuas.
The most affected age group shifted during the outbreak, with males aged 15 to 19 years accounting for the highest number of recent cases after earlier transmission was concentrated among children aged 10 to 14.
In a statement, Chief Executive Officer Dr Reynold ‘Ofanoa thanked the public, local organisations and international development partners for their support in bringing the outbreak under control.
The Ministry also acknowledged church leaders and congregations for helping distribute public health information and encouraging community participation.
When the outbreak was first declared in April, health authorities warned there was evidence of community transmission across the affected island groups and urged residents to eliminate mosquito breeding sites while seeking early medical care if symptoms developed.
Although the outbreak has ended, the Ministry said surveillance and preparedness efforts will continue to reduce the risk of future outbreaks. It urged the public to remain vigilant by removing standing water around homes and continuing measures to prevent mosquito bites.
