Samoa’s Ministry of Health has declared that the whooping cough (pertussis) outbreak declared in November of last year has ended.
This follows a steady reduction in reported cases and no suspected cases in the last four weeks.
Since the outbreak was declared, a total of 427 suspected and confirmed cases of whooping cough have been reported, said the Acting Director General of Health, Tagaloa Dr Robert Thomsen.
“This outcome reflects the collective efforts of our health workers, communities, and families who took action to protect themselves and others,” said Tagaloa.
Whooping cough remains a contagious disease that can resurface if preventive measures are not maintained.
The ministry encouraged the public to ensure that immunizations, particularly for whooping cough, are kept up to date.
The disease spreads through coughing and sneezing and is especially dangerous for infants and young children.
