Tonga’s Health Minister Dr Siale ʻAkauʻola says the Ministry is investigating two deaths suspected of being linked to influenza, but neither has yet been confirmed as having been caused by the virus.
Dr ʻAkauʻola’s comments follow a Ministry of Health warning last month that influenza had been detected in Tonga, with an increase in cases in recent months compared with the same period last year causing concern among health authorities.
He said one of the cases had tested positive for Influenza A, but the Ministry had yet to establish whether influenza was the direct cause of death or whether other related illnesses or factors were responsible.
The Minister said investigations were continuing before the deaths could be classified as influenza-related.
Dr ʻAkauʻola also sought to reassure the public about the influenza viruses currently detected in Tonga.
He said testing had identified H1, H2 and H3 subtypes, which he said were not considered unusual or of particular concern.
The subtype that would cause greater concern, he said, was H5, which is associated with more serious influenza.
Rise in respiratory illnesses
During a special Ministry livestream about the situation last month, Dr Joseph Tākai said the Ministry decided to alert the public after detecting an increase in people presenting with cold and respiratory-related illnesses.
The increase was particularly noticeable during July and August this year when compared with the corresponding period last year, the Ministry said.
Dr ʻAkauʻola’s comments today indicate that health authorities are continuing to investigate the suspected death before determining whether influenza played a direct role.
WHO’s latest global respiratory-virus surveillance reports show influenza continued circulating internationally through August and September, although global activity remained relatively low. Influenza A viruses predominated globally during that period.
