Of the 25 laboratory confirmed dengue fever cases that the Department of Health recorded as of last Thursday, July 31, 7 are locally transmitted cases while 18 are imported.
DOH Epidemiologist Adam Konrote says the majority of the cases are children under 19. He explained that 21 patients were admitted to the LBJ Hospital and fortunately they did not show any danger signs. They were just kept for observations. “It’s a good sign that residents are getting the message to see a doctor once they notice symptoms,” said Konrote.
DOH is screening travelers at the airport and port for symptoms of dengue, fever being one of the main ones. Since the outbreak started last month, two travelers were identified as having dengue from the border screenings.
Some have asked why the territory hasn’t restricted travel to and from Samoa to help control the spread of dengue fever. Konrote said at this point a travel ban has not been discussed.
DoH is continuing spraying in villages and public places, and Tafuna is a main target area. Konrote says the Office of Samoan Affairs will be provided a list of villages where the 25 cases of dengue fever are from so village authorities can spearhead clean up efforts.
Island wide clean up efforts are also being coordinated with the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency and the American Samoa Power Authority .
