Tuaina Taii Tualima: Brummies flanker diagnosed with dengue fever

Tuaina Taii Tualima, a winger for the Australian Super Rugby team ACT Brumbies, has been diagnosed with dengue fever. The 27-year-old player contracted the mosquito-borne illness during the team's trip to Fiji in February, when he made his debut for the club against Fijian Drua.

However, Tualima was unable to participate in the second game of the tour after becoming ill. The Brumbies club stated in a statement that "The affected player has received an early diagnosis and is receiving medical advice from the team doctor and infectious disease specialists."

Dengue fever is spread through infected mosquitoes. The Fijian government declared a dengue fever outbreak in early February, at which time more than 200 cases had already been recorded. While most people recover from dengue fever within 7 to 14 days, it can be fatal in rare cases.

The club has not yet announced Tualima's expected return date. Tualima, who previously played for the Queensland Reds, joined the ACT Brumbies in 2024 from the Melbourne Rebels.