Latest news with #DengueFever
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- RNZ News
Pacific news in brief for 27 May
Photo: 123RF Dengue fever cases in Tonga have reached 793, as of an update on Monday. Tonga's Ministry of Health said 417 of the cases are from Tongatapu and 310 from Vava'u. Three people were in Vaiola hospital in stable condition. People are urged to continue cleaning up mosquito breeding sites around homes and schools. Three police officers have been arrested in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, after a woman was shot and killed at Waigani market. NBC reported a weapon was discharged during a police operation to deal with illegal activities by some vendors at the market. Commissioner of Police, David Manning said the three police personnel are the subject of a criminal investigation. "From the briefing provided to me, it appears the police officer who discharged the weapon, had not intended to shoot this young lady, but that is not the point. A woman is dead because a gun was fired. "I call on all members of the community to remain calm, while this matter is investigated, to allow justice to be served." Commissioner Manning said following the incident, he is instructing a review of police procedures and the use of warning shots. Solomon Islands Police have arrested an 18-year-old male in relation to the murder of a 29-year-old woman in Guadalcanal Plains at the weekend. Police said the deceased was alone washing at a well. Supervising Provincial Police Commander Guadalcanal Province Superintendent Edwin Sevoa appealed to those involved to stay calm while police investigate. Ten members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) have taken part in Operation Tui Moana, a two-week operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Nine vessels of interest were listed, including one confirmed apprehension for suspected IUU fishing activities. FFA officer in charge of the fisheries operations division Jason Raubani said the operation's success highlights the continued strong regional cooperation that is in place, and the commitment to protecting the rights of agency members and their valuable tuna resources. He said follow-up investigations are already underway. Papua New Guinea police have told a parliamentary committee that there is little chance that unlicensed guns in the Highlands can be retrieved before the 2027 general election. Assistant police commissioner of operations Julius Tasion told the committee that police had tried to retrieve the unlicensed guns, but were resisted by locals. He said the norms have changed and when someone becomes a leader at the village level, they have weapons to defend their land or village. The National reported that Chief Superintendent Kyle Saltmarsh, chief of staff to the police commissioner, saying the normalisation of guns and ammunition in the country remained a challenge for the police. A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck south of Tonga late Sunday night, prompting initial concerns but ultimately resulting in no tsunami threat to the island nation. Local media reported the tremor occurred at 11.49pm local time, with its epicentre 180 kilometres south of 'Eua and 204 kilometres south of Tongatapu.
Miami Herald
09-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
US Travel Warning for Popular Cruise Ship Destination
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a Level 1 travel notice for Fiji, advising Americans to "practice usual precautions" as dengue fever cases spike in the Pacific. Fiji is one of the South Pacific's leading cruise tourism destinations, welcoming 83,473 cruise ship passengers in 2023 and was expected to welcome 86,151 in 2024, FijiGlobalNews reported. While the CDC's classification is not a high-alert one, the advisory draws attention to rising infection rates in the Pacific Island nation. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that causes flu-like symptoms and in rare cases lead to life-threatening complications such as hemorrhagic fever and organ failure, posing a serious risk in outbreak conditions. The CDC's advisory explains that dengue fever is common in many tropical areas and notes that current outbreaks are occurring in parts of Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and the Americas. The CDC said the best way to prevent dengue fever is to protect yourself from mosquito bites and recommended to: Use insect loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and steps to control mosquitoes in and around your homeStay in places with air conditioning and with window/door screensUse a bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors. If you are bitten, you should "avoid scratching bug bites and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching." As of late February 2025, Fiji's Ministry of Health reported 2,436 dengue fever cases nationwide since January 1, according to FijiVillage. The country's health ministry attributed the surge in cases this year to heavy rainfall and flooding. The World Health Organization(WHO) wrote last year on its website: "About half of the world's population is now at risk of dengue with an estimated 100–400 million infections occurring each year." In February, Fiji's Ministry of Health and Medical Services declared a dengue fever outbreak. It said in a statement that it "urges the public to remain vigilant and take protective measures against Dengue Fever," adding that "the Ministry encourages individuals to educate themselves about Dengue Fever, implement preventive measures, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise." Health officials in Fiji are continuing vector control operations and public awareness campaigns to contain the outbreak. If case numbers rise or spread geographically, the CDC could reassess the advisory level. In the meantime, cruise lines with planned stops in Fiji are expected to continue operations while providing passengers with health guidance. Travelers are advised to consult a healthcare provider before departure and to remain informed through official channels. Related Articles Fiji Water Lawsuit Raises Concerns About MicroplasticsWoman Restrained With Duct Tape After 'Racist' Tirade on FlightIs Elon Musk's Alt Account Adrian Dittmann? Mystery Takes Strange TwistLeonardo DiCaprio's Viral Moment in Fiji Is Raising Eyebrows 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
US Travel Warning for Popular Cruise Ship Destination
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a Level 1 travel notice for Fiji, advising Americans to "practice usual precautions" as dengue fever cases spike in the Pacific. Why It Matters Fiji is one of the South Pacific's leading cruise tourism destinations, welcoming 83,473 cruise ship passengers in 2023 and was expected to welcome 86,151 in 2024, FijiGlobalNews reported. While the CDC's classification is not a high-alert one, the advisory draws attention to rising infection rates in the Pacific Island nation. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that causes flu-like symptoms and in rare cases lead to life-threatening complications such as hemorrhagic fever and organ failure, posing a serious risk in outbreak conditions. What To Know The CDC's advisory explains that dengue fever is common in many tropical areas and notes that current outbreaks are occurring in parts of Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and the Americas. The CDC said the best way to prevent dengue fever is to protect yourself from mosquito bites and recommended to: Use insect repellent. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Take steps to control mosquitoes in and around your home Stay in places with air conditioning and with window/door screens Use a bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors. If you are bitten, you should "avoid scratching bug bites and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching." As of late February 2025, Fiji's Ministry of Health reported 2,436 dengue fever cases nationwide since January 1, according to FijiVillage. The country's health ministry attributed the surge in cases this year to heavy rainfall and flooding. File photo showing an aerial view of the reef off Castaway island in the Mamanuca Region of Fiji, taken in 2019. File photo showing an aerial view of the reef off Castaway island in the Mamanuca Region of Fiji, taken in 2019. AP What People Are Saying The World Health Organization (WHO) wrote last year on its website: "About half of the world's population is now at risk of dengue with an estimated 100–400 million infections occurring each year." In February, Fiji's Ministry of Health and Medical Services declared a dengue fever outbreak. It said in a statement that it "urges the public to remain vigilant and take protective measures against Dengue Fever," adding that "the Ministry encourages individuals to educate themselves about Dengue Fever, implement preventive measures, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise." What Happens Next? Health officials in Fiji are continuing vector control operations and public awareness campaigns to contain the outbreak. If case numbers rise or spread geographically, the CDC could reassess the advisory level. In the meantime, cruise lines with planned stops in Fiji are expected to continue operations while providing passengers with health guidance. Travelers are advised to consult a healthcare provider before departure and to remain informed through official channels.
Euronews
19-04-2025
- Health
- Euronews
Bleeding the planet dry? Climate change could unlock new threat to the world's blood supply
ADVERTISEMENT Climate change might impact the supply and demand chain when it comes to blood transfusions, a new study has found. Researchers from Red Cross Lifeblood and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) in Australia believe that blood-borne diseases as well as natural disasters are likely to disturb current patterns. "As well as limiting the mobility of large numbers of people, these events disrupt the storage, safety, and transportation of blood which has a short shelf life," Dr Elvina Viennet, one of the researchers behind the study, said in a statement. Related As US faces rare EEE cases, which mosquito-borne diseases are rising in Europe? Every year, 25 million blood units are transfused in Europe. They are needed for treatments of patients undergoing surgery, premature babies, victims of accidents, and patients living with chronic conditions. 'Climate change may impact some infectious diseases that can be transmitted via blood and can prevent people from donating,' Viennet added, mentioning the potential intensification of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue Fever, West Nile Virus, and Malaria due to increased rainfall and warmer temperatures. Warming temperatures are making cases of these diseases more common in Europe , most notably dengue. Impact of extreme weather Other conditions linked to climate change, such as "extreme weather, including high temperatures, cold exposure, and other climate fluctuations," could also narrow the pool of potential blood donors, according to the study published in The Lancet Planetary Health on Thursday. These climatic changes can impact haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell counts, and blood pressure. "We could see new diseases emerge, and other health issues such as blood pressure and hydration, exacerbated by heat, as well as psychological distress and 'climate anxiety' impact donors," said Helen Faddy, an associate professor at UniSC and the study's lead author. Related Death toll in Europe from extreme temperatures will surge by end of century, warn climate scientists "At the same time, shifts in disease prevalence and natural disaster frequency could increase the demand for blood transfusions due to conditions such as pregnancy complications, cardiovascular disease, and sickle cell disease," she added. In the study, researchers suggested potential mitigation strategies such as flexible and mobile blood centres, cell salvage - a form of autotransfusion - and international collaboration. "With rising sea levels increasing migration rates, it's essential to have more blood donors from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, and to increase the number of people who give blood," Faddy said.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bleeding the planet dry? Climate change could unlock new threat to the world's blood supply
Climate change might impact the supply and demand chain when it comes to blood transfusions, a new study has found. Researchers from Red Cross Lifeblood and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) in Australia believe that blood-borne diseases as well as natural disasters are likely to disturb current patterns. "As well as limiting the mobility of large numbers of people, these events disrupt the storage, safety, and transportation of blood which has a short shelf life," Dr Elvina Viennet, one of the researchers behind the study, said in a statement. Related As US faces rare EEE cases, which mosquito-borne diseases are rising in Europe? Every year, 25 million blood units are transfused in Europe. They are needed for treatments of patients undergoing surgery, premature babies, victims of accidents, and patients living with chronic conditions. 'Climate change may impact some infectious diseases that can be transmitted via blood and can prevent people from donating,' Viennet added, mentioning the potential intensification of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue Fever, West Nile Virus, and Malaria due to increased rainfall and warmer temperatures. Warming temperatures are making cases of these diseases more common in Europe, most notably dengue. Other conditions linked to climate change, such as "extreme weather, including high temperatures, cold exposure, and other climate fluctuations," could also narrow the pool of potential blood donors, according to the study published in The Lancet Planetary Health on Thursday. These climatic changes can impact haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell counts, and blood pressure. "We could see new diseases emerge, and other health issues such as blood pressure and hydration, exacerbated by heat, as well as psychological distress and 'climate anxiety' impact donors," said Helen Faddy, an associate professor at UniSC and the study's lead author. Related Death toll in Europe from extreme temperatures will surge by end of century, warn climate scientists "At the same time, shifts in disease prevalence and natural disaster frequency could increase the demand for blood transfusions due to conditions such as pregnancy complications, cardiovascular disease, and sickle cell disease," she added. In the study, researchers suggested potential mitigation strategies such as flexible and mobile blood centres, cell salvage - a form of autotransfusion - and international collaboration. "With rising sea levels increasing migration rates, it's essential to have more blood donors from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, and to increase the number of people who give blood," Faddy said.
