The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public of a confirmed outbreak of pertussis (commonly known as whooping cough) in Samoa. This announcement follows a significant increase in reported cases presented at the main hospital at Moto’otua.
According to the Samoa Health Ordinance 1959 and the Samoa National Communicable Disease Surveillance and Control Guidelines 2020, the confirmation of one or more cases of pertussis/whooping cough may warrant the declaration of an outbreak due to its infectious nature and potential public health impact.
A total of six (6) confirmed pertussis cases have been reported to the Ministry of Health, including the one (1) confirmed case publicized in the MOH press release issued last week Friday, 22 November 2024. These confirmed cases fall within an age range of 3 weeks to 40 years, with a majority being less than 1 year old. Additional suspected cases sent overseas are awaiting confirmation.
Pertussis is a highly transmissible and contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It spreads easily from person to person, especially in overcrowded places. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, tiny droplets containing the bacteria are released into the air and can be inhaled by others nearby. Direct exposure to respiratory secretions, such as sharing utensils, can also spread the infection. Pertussis/whooping cough is characterized by severe coughing fits, which can lead to difficulty breathing, vomiting, and exhaustion.
The general public is hereby advised to watch out for symptoms such as severe coughing fits, often followed by a whooping or high-pitched sound, difficulty breathing, vomiting after coughing, fatigue, and exhaustion. Vulnerable or at-risk groups include infants under the age of six months, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
The Ministry of Health is currently implementing measures to manage the outbreak, including increased surveillance and monitoring of reported cases, tracking the spread of the disease, following up with families of confirmed cases and their contacts, accelerating immunization for children through vaccination campaigns, and raising public awareness about prevention and symptoms.
The Ministry urges everyone to take note of the following:
- Ensure children are up-to-date with their vaccinations, particularly the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine, which is administered at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, and the booster at 15 months of age.
- Maintain good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, wearing a face mask, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with individuals displaying symptoms of pertussis.
- Self-isolate at home if you are sick to prevent further spread.
If you or a family member experience symptoms of pertussis, please seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the severity of the illness.
The Ministry of Health will continue to provide updates on the situation. We ask for the public’s cooperation and vigilance to protect our communities from the spread of pertussis.
For further information or assistance, please contact the Ministry of Health at 800-6440/66506/66507 or visit the MOH website at www.health.gov.ws and Facebook page: @healthsamoa.
Ma le fa’aaloalo,
Auilamailae Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomson
Acting Director General of Health – Ministry of Health
