Samoa’s Ministry of Health has recorded 945 laboratory-confirmed dengue fever cases since the beginning of the year.
The latest weekly report reveals 237 new cases have been recorded, including a confirmed dengue-related death.
According to health officials, 86% of the cases involve individuals under the age of 20, pointing to a worrying trend among younger age groups.
The majority of infections—82%—are from Upolu Island, particularly concentrated in the Apia Urban Area (AUA) and North West Upolu (NWU).
Males account for 55% of the reported cases, while females make up 45%.
According to the report, approximately 10% of dengue patients have required hospitalization at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, with 88% having been discharged.
Health authorities continue to intensify efforts to contain the outbreak through a multi-sectoral approach coordinated by the Integrated Vector Control Committee (IVCC).
Current control measures include:
- Targeted source reduction and environmental sanitation activities to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
- Public awareness campaigns across all media platforms, encouraging early detection of symptoms and prompt medical attention.
- Risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategies, including social listening, to counter misinformation and respond to public concerns.
The Ministry of Health also urges the public to keep surroundings clean to prevent mosquito breeding—especially by removing stagnant water.
It also recommends wearing protective clothing, especially during peak mosquito activity times, and use of mosquito repellents and mosquito nets.
