by Marie Kauna – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Samoa is reported to be one of the island nations affected by Dengue Type II. Last week, the island nation saw a sudden increase in the number of sick patients. Most of the registered patients were reported to suffer similar symptoms;
- prolonged illness over several days with severe headaches
- nausea and vomiting
- abdominal pains
- fevers of over three days duration and
- generalised body weakness.
These symptoms highlighted a dengue outbreak in the Island nation. From the registered record, the Samoan Observer reported that in August (this month) alone, the lab tests reported 54 requests with 25 confirmed positive and two deaths. The two deaths were suspected to be from the dengue fever.
Following the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has issued a dengue fever alert to keep the general public informed on the outbreak. The island nation is now under close monitoring with awareness efforts continuously conducted to inform the general public on the outbreak plus safety measures to take during this time of the outbreak.
According to the notice from the Ministry of Health dated 12th August 2017, investigations are underway as information becomes available as they come. The ministry will also collaborate with the World Health Organisation (WHO) for further assistance during this time.
