The Ministry of Health has confirmed that the number of dengue cases has increased to 14. This is 9 more than the 5 cases reported on 22 November 2016.
Dengue fever is transmitted by the bites of an Andes mosquito infected with a dengue virus.
Director of Public Health, Dr Len Tarivonda says from the 14 cases 6 are confirmed while 8 are suspects whose blood samples are now being tested in New Zealand.
He said the cases come from Port Vila mainly from the central and southern wards.
Dr Tarivonda said from the 14 cases, only one was admitted while the rest were managed at their respective homes.
He said the blood tests in New Zealand would also alert health officials of any confirmed cases of zika or chikungunyan since all three deadly sicknesses are transmitted by the same mosquito.
The Ministry of Health is strongly appealing to everyone to quickly report to any health facility at the earliest stage of showing symptoms of dengue fever which usually begins four to six days after infection and that may include high fever, severe headaches, severe joint and muscle pains, vomiting, pain behind the eyes, and skin rashes.
Dr Tarivonda says doctors and nurses at the hospital are able to do quick tests to help with diagnoses.
There is no specific medication for treatment of a dengue infection. Persons who think they have dengue should use pain relievers such as panadol but avoid medicines that contain aspirins. They should also rest, drink plenty fluid to prevent dehydration, avoid mosquito bites while febrile and consult a physician.
Dr Tarivonda says the Ministry of health is stepping up efforts to strengthen national and provincial level surveillance system to increase detection and reporting on dengue suspected cases.
Meanwhile, an operation team in Port Vila will continue to spray around high risk areas.
The Ministry is also appealing to all property owners to clean their yards and reduce all breeding spaces for mosquitos in a bid to reduce all chances for spread of the sickness. All other precautionary measures must be put into practice.