A dengue epidemic due to type 2 virus involving some 3,400 cases began in
Fiji early in 1971, had a peak during May, June and July, and cases have continued
to occur with a low incidence during 1972 and 1973. Many of the notified
cases showed classical dengue fever symptoms and there were no confirmed cases
of haemorrhagic fever. A serological survey indicated that there had been at least
20,000 subclinical infections. It is probable that the virus was introduced to
Fiji either through the port of Lautoka or Nadi international airport in February
1971. The normal travel patterns of residents must have spread the virus to all
the more accessible localities but, with the exception of Rotuma, it caused infections
only in areas where Aedes aegypti was available as a vector. There was no
evidence that pre-existing dengue type 1 serum antibody gave any protection
during this epidemic.