DOH uses live stream to officially declare dengue fever emergency

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaali‘i N. Pula issued a Declaration of Public Health Emergency in response to a confirmed outbreak of dengue fever in American Samoa, last week Tuesday July 8, 2025.

According to the emergency declaration, the American Samoa Department of Health (DOH) confirmed six cases of dengue fever as of Monday, July 7.

On the same day the emergency declaration was announced, DOH held a press conference to officially declare a dengue fever outbreak.

The event, which was streamed live on social media, brought together representatives from key DOH divisions and various government departments and partner agencies involved in the outbreak response.

Following the presentations, DOH Deputy Director Vesi Fautanu, who chaired the press conference, shared that the livestream drew significant viewership, with some audience members submitting questions.

Q&A

The first question addressed was: “After how many days of fever should you see a doctor?”

Responding to the query, DOH Medical Director Dr. Erica Sipili clarified that while other illnesses may share similar symptoms with dengue fever, certain combinations signal the need for immediate medical attention.

“For example, if you have a fever accompanied by joint pain and headaches—or fever with body aches and a rash—then you should see a doctor, ideally by the second day of the fever when the virus starts entering the bloodstream,” she explained.

DOH Director Dr. Saipale Fuimaono urged parents not to panic if their child develops a fever, noting that dengue symptoms often resemble those of the common flu. He advised administering Tylenol rather than aspirin, due to the risk of complications associated with aspirin in viral infections.

“If your child’s condition worsens after three days — especially with symptoms like loss of appetite or refusal to drink water — then seek medical help immediately,” Fuimaono cautioned.

One of the live-streamed questions asked was: “What precautions should you take when traveling to Apia or other areas with dengue fever?”

Territorial Epidemiologist Adam Konrote recommended that travelers consult health advisories issued by the respective health ministries of their destination countries. He also advised taking preventive measures, such as:

- Using mosquito repellents, especially when visiting areas with known dengue transmission

- Wearing long-sleeved clothing to minimize exposed skin

- Limiting unnecessary movement during peak mosquito activity periods, particularly early morning and late afternoon

During the press briefing, veteran journalist Monica Miller posed additional questions, including a request for the names of the villages where the two confirmed local dengue cases had occurred.

Konrote revealed that the two local cases of dengue fever occurred in the villages of Malaeimi and Pago Pago. He emphasized that these areas are now the focus of ongoing screening and response efforts.

Addressing the topic of the four imported cases, Miller observed that those individuals were only diagnosed after seeking treatment at the hospital. She asked why they hadn't been identified by DOH personnel stationed at the airport upon arrival.

Konrote explained that DOH has staff posted at both the airport and seaport specifically to screen incoming travelers for symptoms of dengue fever and other communicable diseases. However, he clarified that dengue fever has an incubation period of up to 14 days.

“From the time of exposure, it can take as long as two weeks for symptoms to appear,” he noted. “These individuals entered the Territory without visible signs of illness. Their symptoms manifested later, prompting their visit to LBJ Hospital.”

Miller concluded her line of questioning by asking whether a person can contract dengue fever more than once. Konrote confirmed that reinfection is possible.

The final question from the livestream asked: “Should home remedies be adjusted based on the patient’s age?”

DOH Medical Director Dr. Erica Sipili affirmed that age-specific adjustments are important when administering home remedies. She recommended that young children be given plenty of fluids to stay hydrated during illness.

For older patients, QRS electrolyte solution or the juice of young coconut was suggested to help replenish lost fluids and minerals. Dr. Sipili also advocated for nutritious soup as a supportive remedy suitable for patients of all ages.

However, she cautioned against the use of medications such as Motrin, Advil, and Aspirin, noting that these could cause internal bleeding, especially in the context of dengue fever.

In closing, DOH Director Dr. Saipale Fuimaono called on the public to support their efforts to eliminate dengue fever and save lives.

He stated that he has reached out to the Office of Samoan Affairs for their help in informing and educating the public, especially in the rural areas.

Dr. Fuimaono also thanked the media for disseminating this important matter so that all residents can be informed and prepared.