No report of ‘critical’ dengue cases in the territory

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — As of August 14th, the American Samoa Department of Health has reported 48 confirmed cases of Dengue Fever within the territory, as detailed in a health advisory issued over the weekend. This outbreak has prompted a proactive response from local health authorities to safeguard public health.

The Health Department has reassured the community that the majority of affected individuals have successfully recovered and have been released from LBJ Hospital. Notably, there have been no reports of critical cases, indicating that while the situation is serious, most patients are recovering well. The Department of Health has mobilized public health teams to work tirelessly, day and night, to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect the community.

To enhance personal and communal safety, the Department offers several essential recommendations:

— Eliminate Standing Water: Regularly inspect and remove any items that can collect water, such as containers, buckets, tires, and other debris. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so reducing these breeding grounds is crucial.

— Use Mosquito Repellent: Apply insect repellents containing DEET, especially during peak mosquito activity times, such as early mornings and late afternoons, to minimize exposure and bites.

— Wear Protective Clothing: When outdoors, wear long sleeves and long pants to reduce skin exposure to mosquito bites.

— Secure Your Home: Reinforce or repair window and door screens to ensure they effectively keep mosquitoes outside.

In addition to these personal precautions, the Department of Health encourages residents to participate in the American Samoa Government’s Scrap Metal and Bulky Waste Collection Drive.

This initiative aims to further reduce mosquito breeding sites by collecting large, unwanted items from the community. The drive is a result of a collaborative effort involving the Department of Health, the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA), and the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA).

The Scrap Metal and Bulky Waste Collection Drive officially began last Friday, focusing initially on villages reporting the highest incidences of Dengue Fever. This targeted approach is designed to address the most critical areas first and will subsequently extend to all other villages, including Aunu’u and Manu’a, ensuring every community receives support in maintaining a safe, healthy environment.

The collection drive will operate from Monday to Friday, spanning August 18 to 22, 2025, with an emphasis on areas stretching from Nu’uuli to Amaluia, including all adjacent villages. 

Secretary Faiivae Alex Godinet from the Office of Samoan Affairs is overseeing the coordination of efforts within each village. Local leaders, including Fa’alupega, Pulenu’u, and Leoleonu’u, are actively spearheading the initiative in their respective communities to ensure its success. This collective approach is vital in combating the ongoing threat of Dengue Fever and fostering a healthier environment for all residents.

The schedule for the collection drive is as follows:

— August 18 and August 19: The collection will cover the villages of Nu’uuli, Malaeimi, Mapusaga, Mesepa, Faleniu, Pava’iai, Tafeta, Mapusaga Fou, Aoloau, and Aasu, ensuring that residents can easily dispose of any unwanted items.

— August 20 and 21: The focus will shift to the areas of Tafuna, Fagaima, Kokoland, Petesa, Ottoville, as well as Ili’ili, Happy Valley, Fogagogo, and Vaitogi, with teams ready to assist in clearing out potential mosquito breeding grounds.

— August 22: The final day will culminate in the collection from the villages of Futiga, Malaeloa, Taputimu, Vailoa, Leone, and Amaluia, leaving no stone unturned in the fight against dengue.

This collaborative effort serves not only to clean and beautify our environment but also to safeguard the health and well-being of our community. Residents are encouraged to participate actively and contribute to this vital initiative.