Dengue fever outbreaks in the western Pacific and Southeast Asia have led to heightened travel warnings for Australians, with experts suggesting that the situation may worsen in the future. Recently, the Cook Islands reported an outbreak, recording 19 cases, including two active cases, according to the Ministry of Health’s update from June 6. Other nations, including Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, Fiji, and Kiribati, are also experiencing surges in dengue cases.
Tragically, fatalities have been reported across Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. Dr. Berlin Kafoa, Director of The Pacific Community’s public health division, emphasised that the risk of severe dengue is increasing, particularly among younger people. He cautioned that dengue should not be regarded as a mild illness, as it can lead to life-threatening complications.
Factors contributing to the rising risk include a gap in immunisation and the expansion of mosquito habitats facilitated by climate change. Dr. Kafoa noted that dengue is no longer just a seasonal concern; it has transformed into a regional health emergency influenced by climatic changes, population movements, and historical vulnerabilities. Dr. Joan Ingram, a medical advisor at the Immunisation Advisory Centre, warned that the escalating spread presents risks for travellers, with estimates indicating that about six in 1000 travellers could fall ill from dengue during their stay in affected areas, leading to hospitalisation in up to 30 per cent of cases.
Moreover, there is a risk of travellers inadvertently carrying the disease back to their home countries. Dr. Gregor Devine, senior director of field entomology at the World Mosquito Program, pointed out that traditional responses, such as insecticides and clean-up campaigns, have limited effectiveness. He underscored that effective vaccines are likely several years away from being universally accessible, while dengue cases continue to rise.
However, the World Mosquito Program has seen notable success with its Wolbachia treatment, which involves infecting mosquitoes with a bacteria that inhibits the disease’s transmission. Following six years of these releases in New Caledonia, the region has not experienced a dengue epidemic since 2019. This year, similar releases aim to continue in Kiribati and expand to Timor-Leste.
Dr. Ingram acknowledged the promising results from Wolbachia trials while vaccine development progresses. Australians planning to travel to the Pacific or other dengue-prone regions such as Southeast Asia and South America are urged to stay informed through resources like Smartraveller to ensure their safety.