Alert on dengue fever outbreak

By MONIQUE DEVEREUX

A dengue fever outbreak in the Pacific islands - which has already led to 20 cases reported in New Zealand - has prompted a travel warning from the Ministry of Health.

Dengue fever is a viral infection that develops after a bite from an infected mosquito.

The most severe form can kill but most people develop headache, back pain, bone and joint pain. Some people also develop a rash.

Another form, dengue haemorrhagic fever, occurs only in people who have already had dengue fever more than once.

Since June 1, 20 Aucklanders returning from Samoa have been diagnosed with dengue fever. Four cases were so serious that the victims had to be admitted to hospital.

At the same time last year only one New Zealander had contracted the disease.

Samoa has had an outbreak of the fever. Up to 400 people were infected. But the news of the epidemic - which started in April or May - was not passed on through the usual travel warning networks.

Dr Marc Shaw, of the Auckland Travellers Clinic, said it was unnerving that the Samoan health authorities had not passed on warnings of the outbreak.

Recent outbreaks in Tahiti and New Caledonia have been well charted and monitored, he said.

Last night, Ministry of Health public health programmes senior adviser Dr Doug Lush said that the notification of the 20 cases contracted by travellers to Samoa, and awareness of cases from other Pacific islands, prompted a warning for anyone going anywhere in the Pacific.

He said it was just the start of the mosquito season and people needed to take extra precautions to avoid the insects.

"That doesn't mean cancel the holiday, but cover up and use mosquito repellent at all times."

Dr Lush said most island resorts sprayed rooms and buildings to discourage mosquitoes.

The mosquito that carries dengue fever is not normally found in New Zealand, although in April this year larvae and pupae from the species were discovered in a rubbish skip at Freyberg Wharf in Auckland.

Last month Samoan newspapers reported the outbreak was under control. A doctor from the health department was quoted as saying "inform the public not to panic".