While Samoa is preparing for their snap election later this month, the country is grappling with a Dengue Fever outbreak that has hit the Pacific region.
Sadly in Samoa the outbreak has claimed the lives of four young children, with a fifth victim yet to be confirmed.
Tagata Pasifika reporter Neueli Mauafu is in Samoa and attended a media conference held by the caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa alongside health and education officials to give an update on the Dengue outbreak.
The Prime Minister shared the tragic news. “To date there have been four confirmed and one probably dengue related death.”
“On behalf of the government and the people of Samoa, I extend our deepest condolences to the parents and families of the children we have lost. Our children are dear to us and the loss of a young soul is utterly sorrowful, may the holy spirit comfort the parents and families of the children we have lost. We remember you in these sorrowful times and in our prayers,” says Prime Minister Fiame.
According to reports from Samoa’s health officials, as of Sunday the 3rd August, a total of 5670 clinically diagnosed cases have been recorded since January this year, of which 2619 are laboratory confirmed cases.
In just the past week, 1446 new clinically diagnosed cases have been reported across Upolou and Savaii including 342 new lab confirmed cases.
Of these cases, 71 are children under the age of 15. Approximately 115 patients were hospitalised with 64 discharged and 51still receiving care; no cases have required ICU care at this stage.
Neueli reports that, at this stage, there has been no calls for a nationwide lockdown, however schools will remain closed while the nationwide fumigation efforts continue in the country.
The Samoa government, through the National Emergency Operations Centre, continues to lead a government response to this outbreak.
This includes;
- Fumigation across villages, schools, workplaces and public places;
- Fumigation of 225 schools in Upolu and Manono and 97 schools in Savai’i, as well as the National University of Samoa, the University of the South Pacific and Tesese Institute;
- Re-fumigation of all district hospitals in Upolu and Manono Island;
- Targeted operations in high-risk areas such as Saleimoa, Nuu Fou, Vaitele Uta , Vailele Fou, Vailele and Toamua;
- A blood drive, led by the Samoa Red Cross Society in partnership with the Ministry of Health continues;
- Ongoing clean-up of waterways, led by the Drainage Committee;
- National bulky waste collection, scheduled for the 13th, 20th and 27th August;
- Household inspections in more than 2,045 homes have been conducted through the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development’s Aiga Manuia Nuu Manuia initiative.
