Situation report highlights Samoa’s dengue fever outbreak

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Samoa News is publishing the latest highlights of the Dengue Fever Outbreak Situation Report in Samoa due to the high frequency of travel between American Samoa and Samoa by residents.

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.

The Samoa report is for the Epi-week 27: 30 June — 06 July 2025, as reported on July 07, 2025, and prepared by: the Samoa Health Security & Disease Surveillance Division.

Highlights

— Since January 2025, a total of 945 dengue lab-confirmed cases have been recorded.

— In this epi-week, there were 237 new dengue lab-confirmed cases recorded

— 20 cases have confirmed dengue virus serotypes; 85% are DENV-1 and 15% are DENV-2

— A cumulative total of 945 cases were notified; reflecting an incidence rate of 459.7 cases per 100,000.

— Those most affected are aged below 20 years old (86%)

— Sadly, there has been one dengue-related death recorded to date

— 82% of cases were reported from Upolu island; 55% male and 45% female

— 10% 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

Noted in the chart, indicating Age group distribution of dengue lab-confirmed cases by age and sex, the highest amount of cases are seen in those 10- 14 years old with next 5- 9 years old. They are school age children.

Age group distribution of dengue lab-confirmed cases to date of latest outbreak. [courtesy graphic]

Local DOH Director Dr. Saipale Fuimaonom during the press conference to officially declare a dengue fever outbreak last week, 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.

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.

For precautions that should be taken 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

At the time, 4 of the cases identified locally were found to be imported.