Health professionals in New Zealand are being urged to stay vigilant as dengue fever cases rise sharply, linked primarily to travellers returning from overseas, especially the Pacific Islands.
According to figures from Health New Zealand, there have been 208 reported dengue cases nationwide so far this year. Auckland alone accounts for 103 cases, already more than double the total recorded in 2024. Roughly one-third of this year’s cases have required hospitalisation.
According to the Midday Report, National Public Health Service physician Dr Sharon Sime said public health teams are observing a clear spike in imported cases.
“We’re seeing a surge in cases among people coming home after picking up dengue overseas,” Dr Sime told Midday Report. “What’s different with dengue fever is that many people with dengue don’t have symptoms. So, the ones that we diagnose are likely an underrepresentation of the number of cases.”
While dengue fever is not transmitted person to person, it spreads through infected mosquitoes in dengue-endemic areas. New Zealand currently does not have mosquitoes capable of transmitting the disease.
“At the moment, our climate wouldn't work for the particular type of mosquito that carries dengue,” Dr Sime noted. “We also have a monitoring programme at our airports and our ports where we are constantly monitoring for any imported mosquitoes, just so that we would get an early warning of any chance of these mosquitoes surviving in New Zealand.”
The Pacific Islands are experiencing their worst dengue outbreak in nearly a decade, with Samoa particularly hard-hit. Since declaring an outbreak in April, the island nation has reported over 2,000 cases and multiple deaths, Midday Report said.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
Dengue fever symptoms include:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- A fine rash that usually begins on the arms and legs but spares the palms and soles
While many people have mild symptoms or none at all, severe dengue can lead to hospitalisation, particularly in vulnerable age groups.
Dr Susan Jack, National Clinical Director for the National Public Health Service, told Midday Report that certain groups are more vulnerable. “People over 60 years old and children aged 10 and under are at greater risk of severe illness from dengue,” Dr Jack said.
Travel Precautions
With no vaccine currently available in New Zealand, health officials stress the importance of prevention while travelling to dengue-prone regions. Dr Jack advised:
- Sleeping in well-screened rooms or under mosquito nets
- Wearing long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing and hats
- Using mosquito repellent with less than 35% DEET
- Avoiding mosquito-heavy areas, such as those with stagnant water
As overseas travel resumes and outbreaks spread across nearby regions, New Zealand’s health officials are urging greater awareness and early medical intervention for anyone returning with dengue-like symptoms.
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