Apia, Samoa — The Ministry of Health has reported new updates on the dengue fever outbreak in Samoa for the week of 24-30 June 2024. Since the outbreak began in November 2023, a total of 456 lab-confirmed dengue cases have been recorded.
In the past week alone, 10 new lab-confirmed dengue cases were reported. Fortunately, no dengue-related deaths have been recorded to date. The majority of the cases have been observed in individuals aged 20-29 years. The Apia Urban Area (AUA) and North West of Upolu (NWU) regions are the most affected areas.
The Ministry of Health has outlined several control measures to combat the outbreak. These include boosting community engagement on source reduction, ongoing risk communication about dengue prevention and source reduction through all media outlets, and continuous collaboration with other sectors for dengue awareness and prevention.
The public is strongly advised to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of dengue infection. It is crucial to clean up and remove all stagnant water sources around homes to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Wearing appropriate clothing can help minimise mosquito bites, and using mosquito nets and repellents such as lotions and sprays is highly recommended.
If you or someone in your household is affected, it is important to watch out for severe symptoms and seek medical attention immediately. Monitor other household members for similar symptoms and visit the nearest hospital for testing and health advice.
For more information and updates, visit the Ministry of Health’s website at www.health.gov.ws or follow their Facebook page.
