Latest news with #denguefever
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
NZ travellers urged to prioritise insurance as dengue outbreaks surge across the Pacific
By Elenoa Turagaiviu , PMN Kiwi travellers are strongly advised to secure comprehensive health insurance prior to travel to pacific islands. , given the escalating incidence of dengue fever across the Pacific region. Photo: 123RF Travellers from New Zealand planning a getaway to tropical destinations are being urged to grab comprehensive travel insurance, as dengue fever cases continue to climb in certain Pacific countries. Fiji has been particularly hit hard, reporting the highest number of dengue cases and related deaths. Health officials are advising anyone venturing to areas where mosquitoes can spread diseases to take extra precautions. This includes using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and staying in places with screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Travellers are also reminded that medical services in these locations can be limited, so it is important to continue taking steps to avoid mosquito bites throughout the day. Should anyone feel unwell during their trip or within three weeks after returning home, they should seek medical attention right away and inform their doctor about their recent travels. As of 16 July, several Pacific island nations, including Fiji, Sāmoa, and Tonga, have reported a surge in confirmed dengue cases. Sāmoa's Ministry of Health has reported a total of 945 confirmed dengue fever cases this year alone. Newsline Samoa reports that the latest data indicates that 237 new cases have been recorded in one week. A concerning trend is that a large percentage of those affected are under 20 years old. The country has also confirmed two dengue-related deaths, with about 10 per cent of patients needing hospitalisation. Nine dengue fever deaths have been recorded in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. Photo: Ministry of Health & Medical Services - Fiji The Cook Islands declared a dengue fever outbreak in Rarotonga in May, with 50 cases reported since February. Most patients have recovered, but some required hospital care. Kiribati followed suit in late April, identifying a dengue outbreak with a total of 96 confirmed cases and 383 more suspected cases as early as June. The age range of affected individuals spans from infants to seniors, but children aged three to nine have been most affected. Tonga has also seen a rise in dengue cases, reporting five new cases as of 4 July, which brings its total to 889 since declaring an outbreak in February. Three dengue-related deaths have been noted, but no patients are currently hospitalised. Tonga's Ministry of Health is carrying out mosquito spraying in areas mostly affected. Photo: Tonga Ministry of Health Fiji's health officials reported a major outbreak earlier in the year, with 8708 confirmed cases and four deaths recorded from January to early May. The Western Division was hardest-hit, accounting for most of the cases. Despite these alarming statistics, Fiji's Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, has reassured travellers that Fiji remains a safe destination. Gavoka says key tourist spots haven't been directly affected and encouraged visitors to follow standard health precautions. "It is important to note that dengue fever is not uncommon in tropical regions and is a year-round risk in many such destinations," he says. "Fiji has successfully managed dengue outbreaks in the past through swift and coordinated public health responses. "The United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention currently maintains a Level 1 travel notice for Fiji, advising travellers to follow routine precautions to prevent mosquito bites." Travel advisories from various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, which are advising their citizens to take typical precautions to avoid mosquito bites while visiting Fiji and other affected areas. To reduce the risk of infection, Fiji's health officials recommend visitors use insect repellant, wear long-sleeved clothing to cover their skin, and choose accommodations that are equipped to keep mosquitoes out. -This article was first published by PMN .
The Standard
5 days ago
- Health
- The Standard
France reports 30 local cases of chikungunya in two months
The World Health Organization notes that both chikungunya and dengue fever are transmitted by mosquitoes. (File)
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Love Island star shares horrific near-death experience that left him in 'hell' while on holiday in Bali
Mitchell Eliot has opened up about contracting dengue fever while in Bali, revealing it's the 'closest to death' he's ever felt before. The Love Island star, who appeared on the fourth season of the reality TV series in 2018, took to TikTok on Monday to shed light on the terrifying experience while also warning fans to take the right precautions. 'The last three days have been hell,' the 28-year-old began while lying in bed shirtless. 'I had to get an ambulance in Bali to a hospital. I just had the worst fever, the worst body pains,' he told his fans. 'They reckon it was dengue fever, which is pretty much like malaria, and you get it from mosquito bites.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. He revealed that it took five nights before he started showing any symptoms after he was 'annihilated' by mosquitoes one night and woke up with around thirty bites. However, the influencer then went on to make a startling claim about the illness, revealing that he will battle with the repercussions for life. 'Apparently after you get it, you're sick for the rest of your life. Like you just randomly get sick and it's always in you,' he said. Mitchell then warned others who may be visiting Bali to use mosquito repellent and mosquito nets during their stay, as it wasn't worth the risk. Dengue fever is a viral illness contracted from mosquito bites, primarily in tropical and subtropical locations. While most people recover from the illness within seven days, severe cases can lead to Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, a serious and potentially fatal condition. In April, Mitchell broke his silence following his split from Phoebe Spiller – revealing he was embracing a new chapter of self-discovery and sexual fluidity. The reality star, who found love with Phoebe on season four, didn't hold back when it came to speaking about his sexuality and personal growth during a revealing chat on the Sensory Overload podcast. The reality star didn't hold back when it came to speaking about his sexuality and personal growth during a revealing chat on the Sensory Overload podcast Opening up for the first time since the couple's shock split in July 2024, Mitch said he's finally giving himself permission to explore 'how I am' without pressure or labels. 'Sexuality is so beautiful, and I think people just need to loosen the f**k up,' he told podcast host Billy Barker. 'If you have these little thoughts, just explore different options. Even if that person is not your normal type, you could open a whole new world.' The former tradie-turned-influencer said the experience has been both confronting and freeing, noting that he's no longer afraid to be curious or question his identity. 'After my break-up, this is when I decided I'm going to be more open,' he shared. 'I've known deep down I wanted to be a bit more fluid, a bit more this and that… but I've never really acted on it much. This is just all about me figuring it out.' He added bluntly: 'Who gives a f**k who you f**k?' The Gold Coast native made it clear he doesn't feel the need to slap a label on his sexuality – despite the constant curiosity from fans. 'I get DMs from people now and people will be like, 'What's your sexuality?' he said. 'I'm like – it's none of your business first of all. And second of all, I don't believe we have to have a name for it. One day you can feel so straight, one day you can feel so queer.'
The Sun
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I moved a holiday paradise to live a luxe, cheap life… but an illness you don't get in the UK led to a £2k hospital bill
A YOUNG woman moved to a paradise island six years ago to live a luxury lifestyle on little money, but recently found herself in hospital with a nasty illness. Back in May, Claudia, a content creator who is originally from the UK but now lives in Koh Samui, Thailand, and her boyfriend, ended up in hospital after experiencing a fever, chills, vomiting and a nasty rash that spread 'all over' their bodies. 2 Not only did they have to have 'daily blood tests', but they were also whacked with a £2,000 hospital bill. Eager to inform others about dengue fever, which is not found in the UK and cannot be caught from another person, Claudia, who quit her corporate job to move abroad, took to social media to reveal all. She acknowledged that she and her partner both spent time in hospital after they treated themselves to a luxury hotel stay for their anniversary. Whilst at the 'incredible' hotel, Claudia recognised: 'We both started experiencing extreme symptoms like fever, chills, nausea and vomiting and after a couple of days of this and barely leaving the room because we felt awful, we went to the doctors and they confirmed it was dengue fever.' Dengue, also known as dengue fever, is an infection spread by mosquitoes. According to the NHS website, dengue fever is 'not usually serious and often gets better on its own.' The NHS also recognised that 'some people get a more severe type of dengue, but this is rare.' Dengue fever is often found in tropical areas such as parts of Africa and Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific islands and some southern areas of North America. There is also a risk of getting it from spring to November in parts of southern Europe, including Croatia, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Madeira. There is a vaccine that helps protect against dengue fever and it is recommended for people who have had, or might have had dengue in the past and are travelling to a part of the world where dengue is common. I felt like I'd been hit by a truck and put it down to heat stroke - it was a killer holiday virus You can get advice from a travel clinic if you're travelling to a part of the world where dengue is common, but if you need the vaccine, you'll have to pay for it privately. Opening up on their dengue fever experience, Claudia, who now has cheap rent and reduced living costs thanks to living in Thailand, added: 'We had to get daily blood tests and eventually they told us we had to be admitted to hospital because our platelets dropped into critical condition. 'We were in hospital for three nights being monitored and had more symptoms like muscle aches, extreme fatigue and a crazy itchy rash all over our bodies. What are the symptoms of dengue fever? Dengue won't always cause symptoms, according to NHS guidance. But if you do experience some, they'll usually come on four to 10 days after an infected mosquito bites you. The symptoms can be similar to the flu and include: Fever Severe headache Pain behind the eyes Muscle and joint pain Nausea and vomiting Widespread rash Abdominal pain Loss of appetite There is no cure or specific treatment. Patients can relieve their symptoms via painkillers, staying hydrated and resting. In rare cases, dengue symptoms can develop into severe dengue. Elderly patients, or those with other medical conditions, are most at risk. Severe dengue fever symptoms can include: Severe skin bleeding with spots of blood on and under the skin Blood in the urine and stools Respiratory distress - when the lungs cannot provide the vital organs with enough oxygen Organ failure Changes in mental state and unconsciousness Dangerously low blood pressure You should call 999 or go to A&E if you experience any of the severe symptoms. 'The hospital was so nice, it was like a five star hotel and we had our own room and nurses on call 24/7 looking after us.' The 31-year-old travel enthusiast, who was just 24 when she first ventured to the ' paradise island ', shared her concern about how big the hospital bill was going to be, and later confirmed: 'The hospital stay cost around £2,000 total, but luckily we were insured - we only paid £100, the insurance covered the rest directly with the hospital.' Shortly after posting the clip, Claudia confirmed that she hadn't received a dengue fever injection in the past, as when she left the UK six years ago, the vaccine 'didn't exist.' Social media users react The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ islandlifewithclaudia, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 417,200 views, 9,331 likes and 227 comments. Social media users were stunned by Claudia's experience and flocked to the comments to share their experiences with dengue fever. One person said: 'I caught dengue in Bali. Worst week of my life, the fever and headache was on another level.' Another added: 'I feel for you, I had dengue in Costa Rica. Was horrific.' A third commented: 'Dengue is the worst.' Meanwhile, someone else wrote: 'I had it in Argentina. Again good insurance covered me but was horrid thing to have. Glad you're both ok.' Not only this, but another user gasped: 'Urgh mosquitoes love me… I have new fears.'
RNZ News
05-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Dengue scare hits Pacific Mini Games; athlete receives medical care, health alert issued
Palau's Health Ministry is asking everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Photo: Facebook / Office of the President, Republic of Palau Palau's Ministry of Health (MOH) has warned athletes and officials at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games to be cautious after a dengue fever case was reported on Friday, with an athlete admitted to the national hospital. The Mini Games Organising Committee said all safeguarding protocols for the athlete, teams, visitors and people of Palau have been activated. The Health Ministry is asking everyone to protect themselves as much as possible from mosquito bites. "One case of dengue fever has been detected amongst the athletes," the MOH statement said. "The case was detected through our enhanced health surveillance system, which is conducted daily to ensure early detection and rapid response to potential outbreaks. "The affected person is currently under medical care." But despite the setback, the competition continued in the different sports Saturday. Tahiti continues to lead the medal standings, with Samoa getting closer in second, following some impressive golden performances. Sunday was initially marked as a rest day but baseball teams will be competing, as organisers work on catching up with the schedule, following two days of competition being washed out on Monday and Tuesday. The features of day six were the 100-metre finals in both the men's and women's categories. Australia won the women's 100m final, with Kayedel Smith claiming first place ahead of Papua New Guinea's Isila Apkup and Fiji's Sera Nasilivata. Smith stopped the stop watch at the 12.16 seconds mark, with Apkup winning silver in a time of 12.17s, while Nasilivata took the bronze home, completing the race in 12.20s. The men's final saw Papua New Guinea's Pasil Wasil storming home to take the gold in a time of 10.51 seconds, ahead of teammate Tovetuna Tuna, who finished 0.02 seconds later than Wasil to claim silver. Fijian Waisake Tewa took the bronze medal. New Zealand-Tongan David Liti took three gold medals in the men's 110-kilogram weightlifting, with a total lift of 335kg. Fijian Reki Roberts proved to be the best heptathlon athlete, amassing a total of 4,250 points to win the gold. Raylyne Kanam of PNG won silver with 3,816 points while Tonga's Manatu Hafoka finished with the bronze. Her teammate Waisele Inoke claimed the top prize in the men's octathlon, totalling 5,336 points. Competition will take a break on Sunday, resuming on Monday with judo getting into action. At the end of day six (Saturday), Tahiti had totalled 53 gold, 32 silver and 18 bronze medals. Samoa has 27 gold medals to its name in second place on the medal tally, while Fiji is third ahead of Australia, with more silver medals won, atlhough both nations have 18 gold medals each. Fiji have 24 silver compared to Australia's eight silver so far. Papua New Guinea, who topped the medal tally at the 2022 Mini Games in Saipan, are currently sitting in fifth position with 11 gold, 17 silver and 16 bronze. Weightlifting competition has ended, along with table tennis, va'a, archery, swimming and wrestling. The closing ceremony is scheduled for 9 June. 2025 Pacific Mini Games medal tally at the end of day six of competitions on 5 July 2025. Photo: RNZ Pacific
