DoH issues advisory after rise in respiratory viruses

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Department of Health issued an advisory in response to a rise in community transmission of respiratory viruses during the holiday season, which include COVID-19, RSV and influenza.

The recommended safety measures include regular hand sanitation, proper cough and sneeze etiquette, wearing masks when necessary, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, staying home when sick, avoiding large gatherings, and seeking testing if symptoms arise.

Meanwhile, Samoa in week 48 reported an increase in COVID-19 cases from 25 in week 47 to 27 cases, with a positivity rate of 4.68%. Out of the 27 cases reported, 5 were detected at the border, and no hospitalizations were reported during this period.