29 Feb 2012

Niue dengue cases prompt awareness campaign

3:05 pm on 29 February 2012

Health authorities in Niue have issued calls for the public to help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds after the discovery of dengue on the island.

The chief medical officer, Dr Eddie Akau'ola, says three dengue cases have been confirmed with two people hospitalised and the third being treated as an outpatient.

Dengue is not often found on Niue - there were no cases last year.

Dr Akau'ola says they have launched an awareness campaign using local television and radio.

"Our public health staff have been out in the field spraying the mosquito and we have talked to the people who have come through the hospital, to schools and to communities as well. It is just an awareness programme to let them know that dengue is on the island at the moment and we all work together to eradicate the breeding grounds for mosquitoes and protect ourselves from being bitten."

Niue's chief medical officer, Dr Eddie Akau'ola.