Confirmed cases of dengue fever still increasing

Pictured here is a map of the territory, showing the island wide distribution of dengue fever as of July 27, 2007.	This chart shows the type of debris/trash where mosquitos are known to commonly breed in the territory.

July 27, 2007 - In a span of ten days, between July 17-27, the Department of Health confirmed 3 more cases of dengue fever, bringing the total number of infected victims to 66 this year so far.

Of the total number, 38 (27 males and 11 females), are under 30 years old.

The other 17 victims, 6 males and 11 females, range in age from 30-49 years old, while 5 males and 6 females 50 years old and older have also been confirmed to have contacted the disease.

The majority of the confirmed cases have been identified from the western district, in the Tafuna and Nuuuli areas.

Other confirmed cases were victims 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.

As the number of cases continues to increase, a single person is yet to die from the communicable disease which is carried through the bite of an infected mosquito.

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 Department of Health has identified the most common mosquito breeding sites in the territory as:
tires, drums, buckets, old appliances, ice cream containers, folded plastic, tin cans, plastic, styrofoam, and plastic bags.

These items need to be disposed off, and everyone needs to pull together to rid their homes and surroundings of any debris and trash that can hold standing water.

Before the number of confirmed cases reaches the thousands, Tuliau and the gang have planned community outreach programs in collaboration with the Office of Samoan Affairs and the ASCC Land Grant Program, to educate local residents on ways to prevent the spread of the disease.

Pamphlets containing critical information about dengue fever have been distributed, and now its up to everyone to practice preventive measures.

The last time a dengue fever epidemic struck the territory was 2001-2002 when a total of 1778 cases were reported, and three lives were lost.

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.