PORT VILA – The Ministry of Health in Vanuatu has confirmed that the number of suspected and confirmed dengue cases continues to rise.
The ministry has issued an update to the public on the situation of the dengue outbreak saying that since December 1 there were 14 suspected cases with 6 confirmed.
There are now a total of 119 suspected dengue cases, out of which 34 are confirmed cases.
The number of suspected and confirmed cases continues to rise.
Three patients have been hospitalised at Vila Central Hospital whilst the other cases are being managed in their homes.
Most cases have been infected around the wider Port Vila area.
However, cases will likely spread to other parts of Efate Island and to other provinces.
“Already there are suspected cases reported from Mele, Eton and Tanna,” a statement signed by Len Tarivonda, director of Public Health stated.
“Blood samples have been collected from the patients and continue to be sent for further testing in New Zealand.
“As of December 9, two cases have been confirmed as dengue serotype 2, and this is likely to be the species causing the current epidemic. (Dengue is caused by any one of four related viruses transmitted by mosquitoes).”
