Solomon Islands: Dengue Outbreak - Apr 2013

Since January 2013, approximately 1,970 suspected and confirmed dengue cases have been reported, resulting in three deaths. More than 1,800 of the cases have been reported in Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands, while the others are in the provinces of Guadalcanal and Gizo. There has been a steep increase in the hospitalization of suspected cases in the aftermath of the earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck on 6 Feb 2013. The ongoing rainy season increases the breeding sites of the Aedes mosquito, which transmits the disease. Authorities say they have been unable to contain the spread of dengue fever with new cases reported throughout the country. There are serious concerns that a spread of the outbreak to the provinces will be very difficult to manage without further support. Following a request from the Solomon Islands Government, the governments of Australia and New Zealand have sent medical teams to assist with the response. (IFRC, 15 Apr 2013)