Samoa dengue outbreak continues sharp rise, 2nd death reported
Samoa health officials reported an additional 331 lab-confirmed dengue cases the week ending July 13, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1276.
In addition, the health ministry reported the death of an 8-year-old child from Vailoa Faleata, marking the second fatality reported since the declaration of the outbreak on 17 April 2025.
The majority of cases (81%) are from Upolu Island with most cases distributed across the Apia Urban Area and North West of Upolu regions.
Current response efforts are focused on source reduction and environmental sanitation measures, ongoing risk communication on dengue preventative measures on all media outlets while urging the public to wear long-sleeved clothing to minimize risk of infection, use mosquito nets and repellents, remain vigilant for severe symptoms and to seek medical attention immediately when necessary.
Dengue is a disease caused by a virus spread through mosquito bites. The disease can take up to 2 weeks to develop with illness generally lasting less than a week.
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Symptoms from dengue include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle and joint pain, and minor bleeding.
Dengue can become severe within a few hours. Severe dengue is a medical emergency, usually requiring hospitalization.
In severe cases, health effects can include hemorrhage (uncontrolled bleeding), shock (seriously low blood pressure), organ failure, and death.