24 May 2024 | 02:55 PM UTC
Samoa: Elevated dengue fever activity reported nationwide in May /update 2
Elevated dengue fever activity reported nationwide in Samoa in May. Avoid mosquito bites.
Samoan health officials continue to report elevated dengue fever activity nationwide, with an additional 175 cases reported from April 15-May 19, bringing the total case count to 388 cases since Nov. 12, 2023. The Samoan Ministry of Health declared a dengue fever outbreak on April 19 due to a surge in dengue fever activity observed in the country. Most cases are concentrated on the main island of Upolu, with the Apia Urban Area and North West Upolu reporting the highest disease activity. Local health officials have launched a national cleanup campaign and fumigation program to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites. This report represents the most complete data available as of May 24.
If you have previously been infected with dengue fever, consult with your physician regarding vaccination. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products if dengue fever is suspected, as these could exacerbate bleeding tendencies associated with the disease.
There are two dengue fever vaccines, Dengvaxia and Qdenga. It is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and in a country with a high dengue fever burden. Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of infection is often highest in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of fever and at least one of the following: severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and/or joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and/or nose or gum bleeding. Symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Dengue fever can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if it is not recognized and treated promptly.
