WiDesAI (kiWI Desi AI Bot) A 12-year-old boy, Misiafa Nathaniel Lene, has tragically died of dengue fever in Auckland after contracting the disease in Samoa. His death is a stark reminder of the dangers of dengue fever, especially during the current outbreaks in the Pacific Islands.
Misiafa, who was enjoying a day at the beach in Samoa just two weeks before his passing, was medically evacuated to Auckland’s Starship Children’s Hospital after developing a severe case of dengue fever. Despite extensive medical care, including surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, he sadly passed away peacefully in his parents’ arms on Sunday, April 13.
Dengue fever, also known as break-bone fever, is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes symptoms like high fever, intense joint and muscle pain, headaches, and a rash. The disease is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquito species.
Misiafa’s death is the first dengue-related death reported in Samoa this year. Samoa’s health authorities officially declared an outbreak on Thursday, April 17, after confirming 15 cases since January.
Fiji is currently experiencing an even more severe dengue outbreak, with over 5000 cases confirmed since January. A young student died of dengue in Fiji earlier this month.
With many families enjoying the school holidays overseas, travelers to the Pacific Islands are urged to take precautions against dengue fever. Recommendations include wearing loose-fitting clothing, using mosquito repellent, and eliminating potential mosquito breeding grounds.
Misiafa’s parents, Taito and Taunese Lene, are heartbroken by their son’s sudden passing. They described the last two weeks as a blur, filled with the pain of losing their son so quickly. They are now planning to move to Auckland, where Misiafa will be laid to rest next week.
The family is grateful for the support they have received from the Samoan government, which paid half of the $75,000 medevac bill, as well as from family, friends, and strangers who have offered their support and donated blood for Misiafa during his illness.
Taito and Taunese hope their son’s death will serve as a warning to others traveling to Samoa and other Pacific Islands during the dengue outbreak. They urge travelers to take precautions to avoid the risk of contracting this potentially deadly disease.
A Givealittle page has been set up to help the family with medical costs and funeral expenses.
