Tonga declares Zika epidemic after five cases confirmed, nearly 260 tested for virus
Posted February 04, 2016 19:25:48
Tonga has declared a Zika epidemic after confirming five cases from testing nearly 260 people for the mosquito-borne virus, which has been linked to birth defects.
Dr Reynold Ofanoa, the chief medical officer at Tonga's Department of Public Health, said none of the confirmed cases were pregnant women.
"The reason why we declared it a Zika epidemic is ... [authorities] noticed an increase in patients coming in with acute fever and rash," he said.
"According to the statistics that we received up until January 31, we have 259 cases with symptoms of Zika virus.
"We took some blood tests ... and we had five confirmed cases."
...
Posted February 04, 2016 19:25:48
Tonga has declared a Zika epidemic after confirming five cases from testing nearly 260 people for the mosquito-borne virus, which has been linked to birth defects.
Dr Reynold Ofanoa, the chief medical officer at Tonga's Department of Public Health, said none of the confirmed cases were pregnant women.
"The reason why we declared it a Zika epidemic is ... [authorities] noticed an increase in patients coming in with acute fever and rash," he said.
"According to the statistics that we received up until January 31, we have 259 cases with symptoms of Zika virus.
"We took some blood tests ... and we had five confirmed cases."
...
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