Outbreaks of dengue fever in the Pacific region have been linked to the climate crisis

The climate crisis has led to a sharp increase in the number of cases of dengue fever on islands in the Pacific Ocean. This was reported on August 12 by The Guardian newspaper.

Pacific island states and territories have reported 16,502 confirmed cases and 17 deaths since the beginning of 2025, the publication cites data from the PSSS (early warning system for outbreaks of infectious diseases in the Pacific Ocean).

According to WHO, the incidence in the region is at its highest level since 2016. Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are considered to be among the most affected countries.

Historically, outbreaks of dengue fever have been seasonal, said Paula Vivili, Deputy Director of the Pacific Community.

"However, due to climate change, transmission seasons are lengthening, and in some areas there is a year-round risk of dengue infection," she explained.

Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by biting mosquitoes. Aedes). The disease causes high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and in severe cases can be fatal.

High humidity and temperature create ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed.

"Dengue fever is one of the first real diseases that we can attribute to the effects of climate change," said epidemiologist Dr. Kaufman.

In April, an outbreak of dengue fever was announced in Samoa, since then six deaths and more than 5,600 diseases have been confirmed. Eight deaths and 10,969 cases of illness have been reported in Fiji this year. Since February, three deaths and more than 800 diseases have been recorded in Tonga.

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