Dengue fever outbreak heading toward epidemic levels
Another 22 new cases of dengue fever were confirmed last weekend, bringing the total number of cases so far this year to 184 and surpassing last year’s total of 109. The figure includes only confirmed cases, although there are a number of cases that are suspected to be dengue and yet to be confirmed.
Department of Health Medical Director Dr. Ivan Tuliau says that they are worried about the high number of new confirmed cases, and the trend is cause to be concerned.
“We have continuously urged the territory’s residents to practice the 3Ds of prevention and yet, the disease is still spreading, meaning there are still a high number of mosquito breeding sites out there,” Tuliau said.
The 3Ds of prevention include: “Draining” standing water, “Dressing” in long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and using mosquito repellant that contains “DEET”.
Everyone is encouraged to clean up around their homes and getting rid of anything that can hold standing water, as the mosquito that carries the dengue virus breeds in water. Mosquito-breeding sites include old tires, oil drums, buckets, ice cream containers, etc.
According to Tuliau, health officials met this week to work on their new outreach program that targets local schools. The goal is to kick start the new campaign as early as next week, to educate students on cleaning their surroundings, especially mosquito breeding sites.
The first and only local death caused by dengue fever this year is that of a 10-year-old boy who died last month.
DOH is willing to work with individual villages and/or organizations during the awareness campaign. Last year’s campaign included collaboration with the Office of Samoan Affairs and village mayors.
“The situation is getting worse for American Samoa,” Tuliau said in an earlier interview. “But we can beat this if we all work together. Prevention is the key.”
DOH is upping its media campaign, which will include a weekly update on dengue cases, to be featured in the Samoa News. Tuliau said their office is open to any suggestions on how best to reach the community in a public awareness campaign.
DOH said in a statement, “We implore our community to step up cleaning efforts around the home, village, and school areas, to help promote the eradication of mosquito breeding sites.”
Tuliau said this is something that the entire community needs to get involved with, in order to stop the spread of dengue fever.
In addition to American Samoa, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that dengue fever cases are increasing in other Pacific countries like Fiji, with more than 1,800 cases, Samoa (500 cases), and about 800 cases in Tonga and Kiribati.
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