Health authorities in Vanuatu are monitoring cases of dengue reported from Luganville, Santo.
Although other islands and provinces have not reported dengue cases, authorities are also monitoring them.
Of the six suspected dengue cases reported from the Northern Province since 8 February, four were tested positive.
Five of the patients have been hospitalized at the Northern Provincial Hospital whilst one patient is being treated at home.
A press release said all the suspected cases are statement from the Northern Provincial Hospital.
Blood samples from patients will be sent to New Caledonia for further testing.
There are no cases from the other provinces of Vanuatu.
The Director Health is calling on church, school and community leaders to mobilise their groups to clean up around their homes, community and public areas to prevent and reduce dengue virus transmission.
The best way for people to prevent getting infected with Dengue is to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes. The most effective personal protection measures include;
- Wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible, especially feet and legs
- Using insect repellent
- Using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows
- Sleeping under mosquito nets when sleeping during the day or a dawn and dusk, when Aedes mosquitoes are most active