Health authorities estimate the virus to be spreading swiftly across Timor-Leste, with patients arriving at HNGV from Dili, Ermera, Liquicia, and Manututu in recent weeks.

Timor-Leste is among several Asian-Pacific region countries that have seen significant spikes in the mosquito-borne disease, with authorities saying the capital Dili is in the grip of its worst prolonged dengue outbreak.

Hospital resources are stretched as more and more people with symptoms such as high fever, vomiting and joint pants seek treatment, said Eldegar Lopes Martins,  Head of Emergency at the Guido Valadares National Hospital.

There is no dedicated treatment for the virus, and sufferers are generally asked to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take medication to bring down fever and reduce joint pains.

Outbreaks like the current dengue cases can have significant impacts on health systems, said Martins, adding that patients who are acutely ill with severe symptoms need to be treated fast to avoid complications.

The size of the outbreak has forced authorities to step up its dengue prevention program.

The Ministry of Health said it will distribute mosquito nets and information about dengue prevention to people in high-risk areas.

International health experts say the surge in dengue cases world-wide is closely linked to a rise in urban living as well as increased movement of people and goods.

“For dengue to occur you need concentrated areas of people - it’s a city-based disease and a tricky one to eradicate because the dengue mosquito bites during the day, unlike the malaria mosquito,” said World Health Organisation statement.

The dengue mosquito usually lives inside houses or in gardens and typically lays its eggs in plastic containers, pots or other places with a water source.