Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Due to the frequency of travel between the two Samoas — Pago and Apia — Samoa News is publishing updates from Samoa’s health department situation report concerning their dengue fever outbreak.
Currently, in American Samoa, there has been no uptick in dengue cases reported by the local Department of Health (ASDoH), however, there is heavy rainfall happening right now in the Territory and the ASDoH has issued a warning about the risk of leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals and can be found in contaminated water or soil. Avoidance of contaminated water: Stay out of floodwaters, stagnant water, and any water that may be contaminated with animal urine is advised.
CURRENT SAMOA SITUATION REPORT
Since January 2025, a total of 1,756 dengue lab-confirmed cases have been recorded. In the epidemic-week July 14-20, 2025, there were 480 new dengue lab-confirmed cases recorded; a 45% increase compared to the previous epi-week.
- 20 cases have confirmed dengue virus serotypes; 85% are DENV-1 and 15% are DENV-2
- A cumulative total of 1756 cases were notified; reflecting an incidence rate of 854.3 cases per 100,000.
- Those most affected are aged below 20 years old (87%)
- Sadly, there have been two dengue-related deaths recorded to date
- 90% of cases were reported from Upolu island; 55% male and 45% female
- 12% of all cases were hospitalized at TTMH. Of those admitted, 88% have been discharged.
- Majority of dengue cases are distributed across the Apia Urban Area (AUA) and North West of Upolu (NWU) regions, particularly in the Faleata districts where 32% of all cases reside.
CASE DEFINITIONS:
Suspected Case (clinical)
Acute fever for at least 2 days, AND two or more of the following: Anorexia and nau-sea; Aches and pains; Rash; Low white blood cell count; Warning signs, including: Abdominal pain or tenderness, Persistent vomiting, Mucosal bleeding, Liver enlargement >2cm below cos-tal margin, Clinical evidence of fluid accumulation, Lethargy, restlessness, Laboratory: in-crease in hematocrit, rapid decrease in platelet count
Confirmed Case
Isolation of dengue virus or detection of dengue-specific antigen or antibodies in tissue, blood, CSF or other body fluid by an advanced laboratory test
CONTROL MEASURES:
1. Continuous collaboration with other sectors through a whole-of-government approach through the Integrated Vector Control Committee (IVCC)
2. Response efforts focused on source reduction and environ-mental sanitation measures to reduce the risk of further trans-mission.
3. Ongoing risk communication on dengue preventative measures and source reduc-tion on all media outlets; pro-moting symptom recognition and early identification of dengue fever danger signs and when to seek medical at-tention
4. Tailored messaging for broad-er public awareness through ongoing RCCE social listening to monitor public concerns and misinformation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Continue to promote source reduction through environ-mental clean ups to address mosquito breeding sites
2. Wear appropriate clothing to minimize risk of infection
3. Use mosquito nets and repellents such as lotion and spray
4. If you are affected, watch out for severe symptoms, and seek medical attention immediately. Monitor other people in the household for similar symptoms and present to the hospital for testing and health advice.
(Sources: Samoa govt press release, American Samoa govt press release)
Comments
Sorted by BestComments are powered by Disqus. By commenting, you agree to their privacy policy.
Powered by Disqus