The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a dengue fever warning to Fiji in light of recent outbreaks in several Pacific Island countries.

Dr Chen Ken, area WHO representative, said in a statement that dengue poses a threat to Fiji because many neighbouring Pacific island countries have had outbreaks of dengue fever, or are currently having one.

"In the last six months, Tonga, New Caledonia and Kiribati have reported outbreaks; and Samoa and American Samoa are currently experiencing outbreaks of this severe disease," said Ken.

"Dengue fever is usually not present in Fiji, however it causes epidemics or outbreaks every few years. The last significant outbreak was in 1998-1999," he added.

What concerns the WHO is Fiji’s position as a hub for travellers from the Pacific . The multiple outbreaks in the region mean that position is at risk.

Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes. When a person with dengue arrives in another country, local mosquitoes that bite him or her can transmit the illness to others.

The WHO reported that several travellers from Samoa were diagnosed with dengue after arriving in New Zealand recently.

In response to the situation, the Ministry of Health has formed a special task force aimed at monitoring dengue in the region and ensuring that all preventative measures are undertaken to limit the chances of a dengue outbreak in Fiji.

Measures taken include issuing new guidelines to clinicians and spraying planes arriving from dengue-affected countries.

The public has been advised to be alert and if someone has symptoms of dengue they should see a doctor immediately.

Common symptoms are flu-like and include a sudden onset of fever, severe headache, muscle and body pains, nausea and vomiting, skin rash, and pink eye. In some persons, the disease can become very severe, with patients developing shock or severe bleeding.

The WHO has advised people to destroy potential mosquito breeding places. "Dengue can only become a problem if certain mosquitoes (of the Aedes aegypti) are around. These mosquitoes prefer to breed in small water containers near human dwellings and do not fly more than about 100 metres from where they were born," said Ken.

WHO and the Ministry of Health have highlighted the importance of individual and/or community responsibilities to limit the chances of a dengue outbreak in Fiji.

People have been advised to get rid of items from their yards that collect rain water, such as old tires, empty cans and garden items. Items that cannot be removed should be filled with sand or punctured to let water out.