by Marie Kauna – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
A 7-year-old boy is reported dead in French Polynesia from dengue fever.
Earlier this year, French Polynesia was among the other Pacific Island Nations (Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, American Samoa, Nautu, Solomon Islands) that was affected by the outbreak.
Following the increase in the number of cases recorded, health authorities were closely monitoring the fever.
In July last month, French Polynesia was found to be affected by dengue type 2. Other island nations reported to also suffer from the outbreak included Palau, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, American Samoa, Fiji and French Polynesia.
The island nation then recorded 25 dengue cases from the main islands and half of the recorded cases were children under the age of 15, who were infected by the fever.
From the records, the 7-year-old, infected by the fever died. The child as reported by Radio New Zealand to suffer shocks, however, when transported to a hospital in Tahiti for further medical assistance, the child lost his life.
Now with the death record, health authorities are closely monitoring the outbreak. The other islands also affected by dengue type 2, are closely monitored by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
