August 2, 2007 - Since July 27, another dozen new cases of dengue fever have been confirmed by the local Department of Health, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 78 so far this year.
And while patients with confirmed cases have been diagnosed and treated at the LBJ Hospital, there are reports that the first life claimed by the potentially fatal disease was that of a 10-year-old boy from Fagaalu who died on August 15 after he was suspected to have been inflected with dengue fever.
DOH medical director Dr. Ivan Tuliau neither denied nor confirmed the report, saying that he would rather refrain from offering any comments at this time.
Earlier this year, a man in his early twenties was believed to have died from dengue fever but after his death, lab results sent back from off island revealed that the young man in question did not die from dengue fever.
Tuliau continues to stress the importance of taking preventive measures, in order to combat the spread of a disease that has reached epidemic levels.
The majority of the confirmed cases are reported from the western district, mostly in the Tafuna and Nuuuli areas.
Other confirmed cases have been reported from Alao, Amouli, Fagaitua, Afono, Vatia, Aua, Utulei, Fagatogo, Pago Pago, Fagasa, Malaeimi, Mapusaga Fou, Ili’ili, Vaitogi, Taputimu, Vailoatai, Leone, Malaeloa (Aitulagi), Afao, and Aoloau.
The communicable disease is carried through the bite of an infected mosquito which is common in the territory.
DOH medical director Dr. Ivan Tuliau said that as long as preventive measures aren’t taken, the number of confirmed dengue fever cases will continue to climb.
The most common mosquito breeding sites in the territory are tires, drums, buckets, old appliances, ice cream containers, folded plastic, tin cans, plastic, styrofoam, and plastic bags. Therefore, these items need to be disposed of as soon as possible.
Community outreach programs to educate local residents on ways to prevent the spread of dengue fever are in the works through a collaboration between DOH, the Office of Samoan Affairs and the ASCC Land Grant Program.
Informative pamphlets and brochures have been distributed and everyone is encouraged to exercise caution.
The last time a dengue fever epidemic struck the territory was 2001-2002 when a total of 1778 cases were reported, and three people died.
Again, the Department of Health once again recommends following the 3D’s of Dengue Prevention to protect one’s self and their families:
1 – DRAIN standing water around the house that may serve as mosquito breeding sites, including tires, drums, buckets, old appliances, and ice cream containers that can hold standing water.
2 – DRESS protectively by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sock, and shoes.
3 – DEET – Use a mosquito repellent containing “DEET”
on exposed skin.
Everyone is at risk of getting the disease, and symptoms include: fever, severe headaches, pains in the body and joints, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, and rash.
More information about dengue fever or other communicable diseases can be obtained by calling the DOH Communicable Disease Program at 633-4627 or 633-4606. |
