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Medical Teams Arrive to Fight Dengue Fever Outbreak in Marshall Islands Through Airlink Partnership
In response to a Dengue Fever outbreak in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Airlink is providing air travel for specialized volunteers from Team Rubicon and Americares needed to aid affected communities.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands has declared a health emergency due to a dengue fever outbreak on Majuro and Ebeye island. As of mid-November, suspected cases of the illness totaled 1,165. Dengue viruses are spread to people through mosquito bites. According to the Center for Disease Control, dengue can be deadly and is often a leading cause of illness in the more than 100 countries where the disease is common.
As part of its mission to mobilize the aviation community in times of disaster, Airlink partnered with United Airlines to provide the flights free-of-charge to the Team Rubicon and Americares volunteers traveling from the U.S. to the impacted area.
Team Rubicon sent 14 medical providers and logistical support personnel, who are based in Majuro to add capacity to Majuro Hospital, which has been strained by the influx of patients with, or suspected of having, dengue.
“When a call goes out for medical assistance, we have little time to make an impact,” said Jake Wood, CEO of Team Rubicon USA. “Finding suitable transportation can cause critical delays, and the associated costs can impact our response efforts on the ground. Team Rubicon is grateful to Airlink for their partnership, which helps ensure our response teams can provide lifesaving care in The Republic of the Marshall Islands.”
