Fiji: Tourists face little risk in dengue outbreak

2/18/2014

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Fijian authorities say tourists face little risk from an outbreak of dengue fever that has killed two people and infected more than 2,500.

Government spokesman Sharon Smith Johns said Wednesday that most cases of the mosquito-borne disease have been reported near the capital, Suva. She says there’s been no outbreak around the major resorts on the island of Denarau and the Coral Coast.

Health officials in the Pacific island nation say there have been 2,589 confirmed cases since the outbreak began in November. Two males, aged 17 and 35, have died.

Dengue fever is a viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms and which can occasionally develop fatal complications.

Fiji’s economy relies on tourists visiting its idyllic beaches. Britain’s government last week noted the outbreak on its travel advisory website.