Alert for Samoa visitors over dengue outbreak

People planning to travel to Samoa are being urged to pack insect repellent and be alert for mosquitoes as the island nation deals with an outbreak of dengue fever.

Samoan authorities officially declared a dengue outbreak late yesterday afternoon, after the latest number of cases reached more than 200.

Dengue fever is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. Although some people affected do not have symptoms, others can become very sick — with symptoms including high fever, body aches, nausea, rash and headaches. In rare cases, it can also lead to death.

Speaking at a media conference on Thursday, director general of health Dr Aiono Alec Ekeroma said up to 216 cases of dengue fever were identified in Samoa from November to last Sunday, and 81 cases were confirmed in the past two weeks. Some of those people had since recovered and been discharged from hospital.

Aiono acknowledged the number of total cases recorded is likely not a true reflection of the number of people sick with dengue, as many others may be sick at home in villages and would remain untested.

Up to 80 per cent of cases are from the northwest of Upolu, including Samoa’s capital city of Apia and surrounding town areas. Areas affected included Apia, Siusega, Moata’a, Tanugamanono and Leulumoega.

The remaining 20 per cent of cases are in Savaii, Samoa’s other main island. Many of those affected are children aged 5 to 9 and people aged 60 and over.

Pack insect repellent and nets

Ekeroma urged anyone visiting Samoa to pack insect repellent and if needed, a mosquito net.

However, Ekeroma said there was nothing for tourists to be worried about because dengue fever is not passed from person to person but from a mosquito.

By using insect repellents and avoiding dark places they will reduce the chance of being bitten by a mosquito, he said.

Authorities will carry out fumigation in and around the main hospital in Moto’otua, and Apia schools.