Samoa’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a significant decline in the number of dengue fever cases across the country, offering a much-needed reprieve after months of heightened concern.
Acting Director-General of Health, Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen, confirmed with the Samoa Observer newspaper that recent reports from district hospitals on both Upolu and Savai’i show a downward trend in new infections.
“I can confirm that the number of people affected by dengue fever is decreasing. The cases being reported from district hospitals in Upolu and Savai’i are going down,” he said.
This update comes after increased public health alerts in recent months as rising dengue fever cases had prompted nationwide awareness campaigns and community efforts to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
Schools across the country have just reopened after an extended break at the height of national infections.
The Ministry of Health has been actively monitoring the outbreak, conducting testing and data collection through local clinics and hospitals.
Dr. Thomsen emphasized that, although the situation is improving, the majority of recent cases have been among young people.
“Most of those affected are children aged 15 and under,” he said.
Despite the high number of pediatric cases, there is some relief in knowing that the virus has not recently claimed any additional lives.
Health officials continue to urge the public to remain vigilant by keeping their surroundings clean, emptying stagnant water containers, and using mosquito repellents and bed nets where necessary.
