Authorities Warn of Increased Risk of Water and Mosquito-Borne Diseases as Relief Works Continue
Category: Transportation
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
02/19/2018 (Tonga) - According to local reports on Sunday, 18 February, the country's Health Minister Hon. Saia Piukala has recently warned of a heightened risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera or diarrhoea. Flooding produced by the path of the Gita cyclone a few days ago could have dispersed faecal contaminants into aquifers and other water deposits. There also is an elevated risk of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases as stagnant waters allow mosquitos to breed and reproduce. Post-disaster relief works continue across the country and efforts have been made by multiple organisations to restore basic services. A curfew remains in place in the Central Business District of Nuku'alofa from 2000hrs (0700 UTC) to 0800hrs (1900 UTC) until Wednesday, 21 February.
Those in the country are advised to drain or cover standing pools of water found in buckets, flower pots, gutters, tires, etc. Travellers can mitigate the risk of mosquito-bites by wearing long sleeves and trousers and applying DEET-based mosquito repellent. Clients in the area should only drink bottled or decontaminated water. Heed all directives issued by the local authorities and comply with all instructions given by the law enforcement bodies. Keep apprised of the latest advisories issued by health authorities and monitor local sources for further updates.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
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