Pacific / Easter Island

Precautions underway on Rapa Nui to contain dengue

17:27 pm on 28 May 2018

Precautions against the spread of dengue fever are underway on Rapa Nui after an outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease.

At the end of April, 13 cases were confirmed on the island, which is a Chilean territory also known as Easter Island.

The Chilean Ministry of Health has reportedly declared a health alert to try and contain the outbreak, including fumigation and distributing mosquito nets and spray.

A study six years ago showed the first epidemic on Rapa Nui in 2002 affected 94% of the population.

There have been several outbreaks since.

The Asian tiger mosquito is one of the vectors responsible for transmitting dengue fever. Photo: SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY