Fiji, April 17 -- Tonga's Ministry of Health has declared a dengue fever outbreak, warning of community transmission across three island groups as cases continue to rise.

Chief Executive Officer Dr Reynold 'Ofanoa confirmed and suspected cases are increasing in Tongatapu, Ha'apai and 'Eua.

"The Ministry of Health officially declares a dengue fever outbreak in Tonga as the number of confirmed and suspected cases continues to increase in Tongatapu, Ha'apai and 'Eua. All these cases do not have any evidence of linkage which strongly indicates community transmission across these 3 island groups."

Health officials confirmed 6 cases and 7 suspected infections, with most reported in Ha'apai.

"There are 6 confirmed and 7 suspected cases, and ...