THE climate crisis has sparked a sharp rise in dengue fever cases across the Pacific.
Infections have hit their highest level in a decade and Samoa has reported at least five deaths in two months.
Health experts say 16,502 confirmed dengue cases and 17 deaths have been reported since the start of 2025.
The Pacific Syndromic Surveillance System, which collaborates with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other agencies, said infections across the region were at the highest level since 2016. Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga are among the worst affected.
“Due to climate change, transmission seasons are lengthening, and some areas are experiencing year-round dengue risk,’’ Pacific Community Deputy Director-General Dr Paula Vivili said.
Samoa has confirmed six dengue-related deaths and more than 5600 cases. Fiji has recorded eight deaths and 10,969 cases while Tonga has reported over 800 cases and three deaths.
Rising temperatures, rainfall and increased humidity have created ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes—the dengue carrier—even in areas previously unsuitable for transmission.