In a report submitted by the the Samoan’s Ministry of Health has said that the country has had 216 laboratory-confirmed cases from November 2023 to the end of the two-week reporting period.

Within the two weeks to 14 April, there were new 82 cases reported.

Cases of dengue have increased more than six-fold since 2000, Dr Joan Ingram says. She also stated that she expects that cases will continue to increase with climate change and urbanisation. To quote her,

“Between 2012 and 2021 there were 69 outbreaks of dengue fever among the Pacific Islands.”

She also says that after an infected mosquito bite has an incubation period of 5 to 7 days (maximum of 10 days).

A dengue infection may go unnoticed, with a mild illness or significant illness with fever, pain behind the eyes, bone, joint and muscle pain, sometimes rash, vomiting and diarrhea. To quote her,

“In up to 5 percent of infections – most often after a second infection – serious complications such as bleeding or shock can arise.“

“There are four different dengue viruses, and infection with one gives long-term protection from that virus, but may make the illness following one of the other three dengue viruses more serious.”

Cameron Simmons, who is the Director of Global delivery of the World Mosquito Programme has said that Samoa, like most countries in the Western Pacific, has had a long history of being impacted by dengue outbreaks.

To quote him,

“We know that insecticides and environmental clean-up campaigns can help a little to control the outbreak, but they are short-lived interventions that will not stop future outbreaks in Samoa.

“This most recent surge in dengue case numbers is troubling because the case numbers will inevitably increase, stressing the health system and hurting the well-being of patients and their families.”

Samoa’s Ministry of Health recommended cleaning up stagnant water sources, wearing clothing that minimizes mosquito bites, and by using repellents and nets.

They will be dedicated to dengue-related clean-up of public spaces and government buildings this Friday, for at least a half a day.

Dr Gleen Fatupaito, who is the Ministry’s acting director general, says that the clean-up was an effort to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds.

To quote him,

“The idea is the different ministries surrounding the areas just clean up areas and waterways, any place that holds water, potential breeding grounds and such,” he said.

He also says that certain plants can be potential breeding grounds and even pot plants. He also says that on thing that they have discussed was that people love Bromeliads, especially in Samoa.

He says that if households are going to plant them, to at least keep it 100 yards from the house to reduce potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Additionally, the Health ministry was also urging households to llok out for their high-risk family members; especially of the very old, the very young and pregnant women.

With numbers expected to rise, the ministry would release weekly online updates to the people of Samoa starting on Friday.