Risk / Health Info for Tonga

You will need a few immunizations for Tonga. Medical facilities are limited, and medical evacuation may be necessary for serious or complicated illnesses or injuries.

Take care to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes because dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika are present in Tonga. Women who may be pregnant or might be considering getting pregnant should avoid travelling to Tonga. All travellers should take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites, day and night, by wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible and using a reliable insect repellent.

To avoid “travellers’ diarrhea” and other gastrointestinal illnesses, stick to commercially bottled water, including in your ice cubes, and foods that you can peel yourself or are cooked or boiled.

You will also need travel insurance to make sure you are covered for any medical costs, so check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Dengue fever in Tonga

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Tonga. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Zika in Tonga

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Tonga. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Tonga. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.

Chikungunya virus in Tonga

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Tonga. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.