DoH declares dengue fever outbreak

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The Department of Health (DoH) on Tuesday officially declared a dengue fever outbreak in the territory. This follows the confirmation of two locally transmitted cases, in addition to four imported cases reported last week.

The outbreak was announced during a DoH press conference held Tuesday morning. DOH Epidemiologist Adam Konrote…

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The two confirmed local cases were reported in the villages of Malaeumi and Pago Pago, which are now being targeted in a spraying campaign to get rid of mosquitoes.

DOH Medical Director Dr. Erica Sipili said the ages of the confirmed cases range in age from 10 to 29 years, and five of the six patients were admitted to the hospital. She noted that the most vulnerable population are children and elderly with underlying conditions. The incubation period for dengue fever is 14 days. The public is urged to be alert for symptoms of dengue, which include a high fever, body aches, a rash, headaches, and sore joints, and to seek medical attention if these occur.

Director of Health Dr. Saipale Fuimaono called for a concerted community effort to stop the spread of the virus by eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Dr. Mark Schmaedick, Entomologist at the Land Grant Division of the American Samoa Community College, explained that out of the 12 mosquito species found in the territory, only two are known to carry the dengue virus. He said by getting rid of places where these mosquitoes breed, the transmission of dengue can be controlled or prevented.

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Louisa Teo, Deputy Director of the Department of Human and Social Services, called on daycare center operators to clean up of their surroundings to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Deputy Director of Education Athena Mauga said that the Department of Education fully supports DoH’s efforts to stop the spread of dengue.