The latest dengue outbreak in Wallis and Futuna has claimed its first life with an eight-year-old girl dying after her condition deteriorated and she was flown to New Caledonia's medical centre.
An epidemiologist from the Pacific Community says two dengue fever outbreaks are currently active, one in American Samoa with 1933 suspected cases over the past year and the other in Wallis and Futuna has 461 suspected cases.
The SPC's Dr Salanieta Saketa, told Jenny Meyer, dengue is usually self limiting but it can kill, with children and the elderly being more at risk, and she urges families to seek medical help for anyone with a high fever, joint pain and nausea.
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