Day Care Centers reopen after drop in RSV cases reported at LBJ

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — With the decline in the number of children with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), all Day Care Centers in American Samoa are allowed to re-open starting Wednesday, July 12.

Human and Social Service Department director Muavaefa'atasi John E. Suisala announced the reopening of all child care facilities, which had been closed since June 14 following an increase in the number of RSV cases at LBJ Medical Center at that time.

In a statement, Muavaefa'atasi said that Lt. Gov. Talauega E. V. Ale approved the reopening based on the latest recommendation from the Health Department and LBJ Medical Center, “given the reduction in the number of children presenting with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).”

Medical professionals from DoH and LBJ met earlier this week to discuss RSV and data presented at the meeting shows a reduction in the number of cases, according to health officials. And this prompted the recommendation to Talauega.

Muavaefa'atasi reiterates the reminders issued by medical professionals to continue practicing measures that prevent the spread of communicable diseases, like RSV.

"Our Department fully supports the importance of immunization and reminds parents that all children enrolled in child care facilities must provide verification from DOH that their vaccinations are current to avoid disruptions in services,” he said. “We appreciate everyone's support for the continued protection of the health and safety of all children.”

Parents are asked to contact their child care provider directly for details. For more information, please call the Child Care Division at 633-CARE (2273) or 1571.

Meanwhile, DoH reminds parents that Back-to-School Vaccination hours are extended every Tuesday and Thursday to accommodate the schedules of working parents.