The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health is recalling retired nurses and health workers to try and ease the burden an outbreak of dengue has placed on the national health system.
The Asian tiger mosquito is one of the vectors responsible for transmitting dengue fever. Photo: SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
At least one child has died from the virus.
Solomon Islands main National Referral Hospital has been overwhelmed by an influx of new patients since the outbreak was declared on the 8th of this month.
The Chair of the National Health and Emergency Operations Committee, Chris Becha, said there was no sign that the outbreak was peaking and was warning against misleading reports to the contrary.
Dr Becha was calling on people to remain vigilant and said health authorities are reaching out to NGOs, churches and civil society organisations to help with awareness and prevention activities.
Dr Becha said he was waiting on official statistics on the outbreak to be vetted by the ministry but local media reports indicate confirmed cases are in the hundreds.