DoH continues to call for the public to help eliminate dengue fever

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The latest dengue fever cases in the territory have increased to 66 from 48 the previous week. 

This was confirmed in a public notice released by the Department of Health on Friday evening. 

“As of August 20th, there are 66 confirmed cases of Dengue Fever in American Samoa.

It also made sure to note that “most cases have recovered, with NO Critical Cases to report.” 

The Department of Health (DOH) continues to urge the public to help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

“Our teams are working tirelessly around the clock to control the spread of mosquitoes, but we can’t do it alone. We need your help,” says the DOH. It is calling on the community to play an active role.

Empty and remove containers, buckets, tires, and any other items that may hold standing water, it states, while also highlighting participating in the ASG Scrap Metal/ Bulky Waste Collection Drive — that is currently ongoing — to further aid in mosquito control efforts.

The American Samoa Government (ASG) has announced an extension of the Scrap Metal and Bulky Waste Collection Drive until September 12, 2025.

This extension was confirmed in a memorandum from the Office of the Governor, which stated that the drive aims to complete the collection and disposal of waste from high-risk areas identified on the latest geographical map of confirmed dengue fever cases.

Recent data from the DOH indicates that dengue fever cases continue to rise in the Territory.

The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA) and the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) are leading the island-wide collection drive to remove and properly dispose of bulky and scrap metal waste items.

Clean-up activities within the villages across the Territory have been coordinated with the Office of Samoan Affairs, under the leadership of village Pulenu’u and Leoleo Nu’u.

The collection drive is organized into several phases, with the possibility that the collection schedule may change depending on the volume of scrap metal and bulky waste collected, which could cause delays.

Nevertheless, the drive will cover all areas listed in the schedule, and teams will be available to assist in clearing potential mosquito breeding grounds:

August 24 and August 27: Collection will continue in the villages from Nu’uuli to Amuluia.

August 28 and September 2: The focus will shift to the eastern side, targeting the villages of Onenoa, Tula, Alao, Auasi, Utumea, Pagai, Fagaitua, Masausi, Masefau, Sa’ilele, Amaua, Auto, Alega, and Lauli’i.

September 3-5: The collection will target the villages of Aua, Afono, Leloaloa, Atu’u, Satala, Pago Pago, Fagasa, and Fagatogo.

September 8-9: The collection will cover the villages of Utulei, Fagaalu, Fatu ma Futi, Matu’u, and Faganeanea.

September 10-12: The final collection will include the villages of Fagamalo, Maloata, Fagalii, Poloa, Amanave, Agugulu, Fa’ilolo, Nua, Se’etaga, Afao, and Asili.

Additionally, the DOH recommends using mosquito repellent that contains DEET,  including when you are outside, and ensure your windows and doors have proper screens to keep mosquitoes out. 

“By working together, we can significantly reduce mosquito populations and protect our health.

“Thank you for your cooperation!”

In neighboring Samoa, a total of 9,571 clinically diagnosed dengue cases have been reported nationwide, according to the Ministry of Health. Of these, laboratory tests have confirmed 3,070 cases, and tragically, six children have died from dengue fever.