DOH to issue citations to families with mosquitoes breeding sites

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Health will start issuing citations to families that do not maintain cleanliness around their homes. 

This announcement was made by Eileen Solaita, the head of the Environmental Health Services Division, as part of efforts to eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes. As of September 15, 2025, there have been 150 confirmed cases of dengue fever in the territory.

Solaita noted that several members of affected families are contracting dengue fever due to the presence of mosquitoes around their homes, which are facilitating the spread of the disease.

Department of Health Epidemiologist Adam Konrote elaborated that out of the 150 confirmed dengue cases, 89 are locally acquired with no travel history, while 43 are identified as imported cases. There are currently 18 additional cases under investigation, and further information will be released to the public as these cases are confirmed.

The Department of Health has emphasized the importance of reducing pressure on the emergency room at LBJ Hospital. They encourage residents with mild or less severe symptoms to seek care first at their nearest community health center.

“Our facilities are fully staffed to provide initial evaluation, testing, and monitoring for dengue cases. More serious cases or patients displaying warning signs will continue to be referred to LBJ for specialized care.

“This system will ensure that everyone receives timely attention while keeping hospital resources available for those who need them most. Additionally, it will help manage the burden of care as we enter the likely influenza and RSV season.

“We are opening up the health centers to support the LBJ emergency room and prevent it from becoming overwhelmed in the event of a surge. I also want to reassure the public about hospital admissions.

“As of this report, we have not recorded any critical patients, and aside from current admissions, all prior patients have recovered and returned home,” said Konrote.

He urged the public to support ongoing response efforts, which can be done in several ways. First, eliminate standing water around your homes and villages, as even small containers can become mosquito breeding sites.

“You can also help by cutting tall grass and disposing of any trash found in your compounds. Second, protect yourself and your family by using mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeves when possible. Lastly, seek medical care early. If you develop symptoms such as fever, rash, or body pain, seeking care early can prevent complications. We cannot emphasize enough how important early presentations are in the treatment and prevention of severe complications,” Konrote added.

He also noted that the Department of Health, LBJ Hospital, and their partners are working diligently to monitor cases, strengthen laboratory testing, and expand vector control initiatives. The success of this response depends on everyone taking action together. “If we remain vigilant and work as one community, we can slow the spread of dengue fever and protect our families and territory,” he concluded.