Three confirmed dengue fever cases

dengue-april

The Department of Health reports that there have been three laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue fever in the territory. The confirmed cases are travelers who recently returned from Samoa, where there has been an outbreak of dengue fever. All individuals developed symptoms shortly after arriving in American Samoa.

DoH has started spraying of insecticide in selected areas in an effort to stop the spread of the disease.

Fiji and Tonga have also reported dengue outbreaks in recent weeks.

DoH says that while there is no confirmed local transmission in American Samoa at this time, the presence of dengue in travelers returning from affected countries increases the risk of the virus being introduced and spread locally by mosquitoes.

The department advises that travelers returning from Samoa, Fiji, Tonga or other dengue-affected areas should monitor their health for 14 days upon return.

Be alert for symptoms such as fever, rash, body aches, headache, or nausea.

See a doctor if you develop any of these symptoms and inform your physician of any travel history.

Help stop the spread of the dengue virus by avoiding and protecting yourself from mosquito bites. Use repellents, wear long sleeves, and stay in screened or air-conditioned areas.

Also, get rid of containers that collect water where mosquitoes can breed.

The spraying of insecticide by DoH teams will target areas linked to confirmed or suspected dengue cases.

Doh advises that the insecticide is approved for public health and does not pose a significant risk to people, pets, or plants.

Residents are urged to stay indoors while spraying is in progress.