Dengue: 2009 Samoa/American Samoa

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=41626


New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Posted at 23:24 on 24 August, 2008 UTC

American Samoa has recorded a new strain of the dengue virus.

The Department of Health has identified the variety as Type Four.

The department?s epidemiologist, Charmaine Edwards, says the variety is not as serious as the dengue strain that?s now prevalent in the region.

But with dengue spreading rapidly in nearby Samoa, the Health department is stepping up publicity on prevention of the mosquito carrying disease.

Samoa has reported 144 cases 37 of which are confirmed cases.

Four are said the hemorrhagic type that can be fatal.

Outbreaks are also occurring in French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Kiribati.

There were all countries which attended the Pacific Arts Festival in Pago Pao.

In Samoa, environmental health efforts and awareness programme in the media are continuing and key messages will be re-emphasized for Hemorrhagic dengue fever.

The public has been urged to destroy mosquito breeding sites, up keep sanitation and environmental health measures.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=41843

Rise in dengue cases in American Samoa

Posted at 23:01 on 04 September, 2008 UTC

American Samoa?s Department of Health has reinforced its campaign to persuade residents to step up cleaning efforts around their homes, as cases of dengue in the territory increased to 51 so far this year.

Health Department medical director Dr. Ivan Tuliau says about 40 plus cases occurred in the last three weeks, not long after American Samoa hosted the 10th Festival of the Pacific Arts in July.

Tuliau says health officials are very worried that dengue cases have increased although thereis still hope the numbers will stay below the 109 cases reported last year.

Tuliau says there is a major dengue outbreak in the region with an increased number of cases cases reported in other countries in the region.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=42192


More dengue cases reported in American Samoa

Posted at 23:00 on 24 September, 2008 UTC

Dengue fever cases continue to climb in American Samoa, with the number of confirmed cases reaching 83.

The Department of Health?s medical director Dr. Ivan Tuliau says the agency is looking at 14 new confirmed cases on top of the 69 cases reported earlier.

A 10 year old boy has died from the disease.

Health officials in the territory continue to urge residents to clean their surrounding areas, especially places where mosquito breed.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Source: http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2008/10/04/dengue-outbreak-worsens-in-american-samoa

Dengue Outbreak Worsens In American Samoa
By Fili Sagapolutele in Pago Pago
Saturday: October 04, 2008

American Samoa public health officials are urging the public to take seriously the latest dengue fever outbreak. Confirmed cases of dengue in the territory have already surpassed last year?s total of 109.

Department of Heath statistics released last night by Medical Director Dr. Ivan Tuliau show that as of Sept. 30, confirmed dengue cases this year reached 162. There has been one fatality, a 10-year-old boy.

According to the Health Department, there were 11 reported cases between January and June; 5 cases in July and 31 in August.

?Dengue cases increased drastically after the 10th Festival of the Pacific Arts,? hosted by American Samoa from July 20 to Aug. 2nd, said Tuliau.

?We were hoping the number of cases this year would not surpass last year,? he said. ?This situation is getting worse for American Samoa and we are looking at a number of ways to get the message out to the public on preventive measures.?

Dengue fever, which is transmitted by the bite of certain mosquitoes, is a potentially fatal communicable disease. Symptoms include: fever, severe headaches, pains in the body and joints, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, and rash.

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

These particular items, commonly found around people?s homes and immediate surroundings, need to be disposed of as soon as possible, the department said.

Tuliau said Health Department officials have already met to discuss new outreach programs. The department is sending a team to all schools in the territory to get students involved in cleaning their surroundings, especially areas where mosquitoes breed.

A Department of Education official said the agency supports the Health Department campaign and is working on a time schedule to reach all public schools in the territory. The departments also plan to approach private schools.

Additionally, the Health Department is planning to step up a media campaign and the first move is to carry a weekly update on dengue cases, starting next Monday, in the
Samoa News.

?We are also open to any suggestions as to how best to reach the community in our public awareness campaign,? Tuliau added.

He said many of the dengue cases are in ?clustered? where homes are close together. ?But our information shows the dengue cases are from all over the territory,? he said.

The Health Department has issued a statement saying ?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.?

The last dengue fever outbreak in American Samoa occurred in 2001, with 1,600 cases with three deaths.

Tuliau also points out that dengue cases are on the rise in the region and it has become a pandemic concern for health officials including the World Health Organization.

According to the latest health report from the region, Fiji and New Caledonia have been hit hard with each country recording 1,000 dengue cases so far this year.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Source: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200810/s2383311.htm?tab=latest
American Samoa reports 115 dengue fever cases for September
Updated October 6, 2008 15:55:43

American Samoa health officials say more confirmed cases of dengue fever have been reported in the US territory in September than in all of 2007.

The Health department says the 115 cases of the mosquito-borne disease brought the total number so far this year to 162.

It says this compares with 109 last year.

The health department says one person, a 10-year-old boy, died of the disease this year.

The department is urging residents to clean areas where mosquitoes breed.

High fever, headaches and nausea are common symptoms, but can can be cured by medical treatment.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=43410


American Samoa medical facilities struggle to cope with dengue sufferers

Posted at 01:56 on 01 December, 2008 UTC

Doctors at the LBJ Hospital in American Samoa are advising patients afflicted with symptoms of dengue fever to take initial care at home before coming to the hospital.

The advice is being offered to help alleviate crowding in the ER or pediatric clinc, and reduce the waiting time to see the doctor.

Medical personnel recommend seeking medical treatment if there is no change in their condition.

Dr. Ivan Tuliau, Medical Director at the Health Department says large numbers of adults and children are getting dengue:

?We do have quite a bit of numbers of the new strain, the type four. Previously the types were type one. This is actually a new strain.?

There?ve been nearly 500 cases and 1 fatality since August.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=43457


American Samoa hospital officials upset over Health department?s response to dengue

Posted at 23:01 on 02 December, 2008 UTC

Hospital officials in American Samoa are upset over what they perceive as a weak response by the Health Department to combatting the fast spreading dengue fever.

Staff at the LBJ hospital, who did not wish to be named, have told KHJ News that dengue is now reaching epidemic proportions but the Health Department?s approach to it is too laidback.

One senior official says the hospital couldn?t sustain the capacity of medication needed, including IV fluids, Tylenol and manpower to take care of those who have contracted dengue.

He says the department should carry out a massive public relations campaign to wipe out breeding places for mosquitoes.

Two doctors says that hospital emergency services have been crowded day and night for the last few weeks with dengue sufferers.

They say this is taking a toll on staff and on medical supplies.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=43728


Chief medical officer in American Samoa calls for mosquitoes clean up now

Posted at 22:26 on 16 December, 2008 UTC

The chief medical officer at the LBJ Hospital in American Samoa, Taulapapa Dr Aloiamoa Anesi, says a community clean up to remove breeding grounds for mosquitoes should begin now.

Hundreds of people in American Samoa have contracted dengue since September, with one report saying nearly every household or workplace has been affected.

Dr Anesi says the clean up programme should have been active months ago and on going as long as the territory is in the wet season.

He says the Department of Health should take the lead in preventive health care.

But the Department?s Medical Director, Dr Ivan Tuliau, says the campaign against dengue is scheduled for next month for optimum effect, since people are pre-occupied with the holiday celebrations.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Re: New strain of Dengue in American Samoa

Source: http://www.samoanewsonline.com/viewstory.php?storyid=2798&edition=1229767200&newssection=LocalNews

Health officials spearhead meeting with governor to discuss dengue fever epidemic Saturday December 20, 2008
By Fili Sagapolutele fili@samoanews.com

A meeting will be held Monday with Gov. Togiola Tulafono and other members of the community to discuss a ?Dengue Fever Island Wide Prevention Campaign?, hopefully to be launched in January.

As of last week, confirmed dengue fever cases reached 602 for the year with the highest number of cases in November, at 224.

The meeting with the governor is spearheaded by the Department of Health, American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency and the ASCC Land Grant program.

Directors of these ASG agencies are sending out letters to certain members of the community, top leaders of local churches and ASG departments - such as Education, Samoan Affairs and Department of Human and Social Services - to attend the meeting set for 11 a.m. Dec. 22 at the Governor?s Office conference room.

During the meeting, the directors of the three agencies spearheading the campaign will propose to the governor solutions to address the dengue fever epidemic that has taken a child?s life and brought illness to over 600 confirmed cases with this disease, according to the letter of invitation.

?It has grown to pandemic proportions within the Pacific Basin,? the letter notes and added this ?epidemic? needs immediate attention. Those invited to the meeting, will be part of the planning efforts to deal with this problem in the territory.

Also to be invited to the meeting are representatives of the various foreign communities in the territory, such as Tongan, Fijian, and Asian nationals, which is to ensure the proper message is carried to each community about dengue fever and its danger to the territory.

?This is a very big effort for us and everyone?s participation is needed to wipe out this disease,? said DOH medical director Dr. Ivan Tuliau. ?It will be proposed to the governor at this meeting to declare January as dengue fever islandwide prevention.?

LBJ?s chief medical officer Taulapapa Dr. Aloiamoa Anesi has described the current dengue fever problem as a ?critical public health issue.?

LBJ has asked the governor for a territory-wide dengue fever declaration.

Health officials have continued to encourage the 3-D?s in the territory: drain standing water around the house; dress protectively; and use a mosquito repellent containing ?DEET? on exposed skin.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Dengue in Samoa

Re: Dengue in Samoa

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=44277


Samoa?s Ministry of Health reports drop in dengue fever cases

Posted at 23:18 on 20 January, 2009 UTC

Samoa?s Ministry of Health reports dengue fever was on the decline towards the end of 2008.

The Newsline newspaper reports there were 651 clinically diagnosed cases of dengue fever recorded for a four month period from July to October of 2008.

The highest number of cases recorded in a month was 111 in August.

In October there were only 3 cases recorded.

The Health Ministry says people in the 20-29 age group were the most affected by the dengue outbreak.

Most of the confirmed dengue cases were patients from the Apia Urban Area.

Only 6 per cent of the 651 cases were from the big island of Savaii .

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Dengue in Samoa

Re: Dengue in Samoa

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=45959

American Samoa dengue eases
Posted at 02:27 on 15 April, 2009 UTC

The LBJ Medical Centre in American Samoa has reported a big drop in the number of confirmed dengue cases in March compared to February.

LBJ?s chief medical officer, Taulapapa Dr Aoiamoa Anesi, says that a total of 86 were tested for dengue and 30 were confirmed while 56 were negative.

Of the 144 cases tested in February, Taulapapa says 85 were positive and of the 120 cases tested in January, 80 came out positive.

Taulapapa says there was significantly fewer cases in March compared to the previous two months, adding that LBJ hopes this decrease in the number of dengue cases will continue for April and May.

However, he says that because American Samoa is still in the rainy season and as long as there are infected cases around everyone must continue to take precaution.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Dengue in Samoa

Re: Dengue in Samoa

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=47811


Dengue cases in American Samoa up in June

Posted at 22:23 on 19 July, 2009 UTC

Confirmed dengue cases in American Samoa increased slightly in June compared to May.

The LBJ Medical Center?s chief medical officer, Taulapapa Dr. Aloiamoa Anesi, says May had only eight confirmed cases of dengue but in June a total of 13 cases were tested positive.

In May, there were 25 cases tested and in June a total of 57 were tested.

Taulapapa says that as American Samoa is in the winter and flu season it is a clinical decision by the physician whether to test and treat for dengue, influenza A and B or seasonal flu, depending on complaints and the severity of a person?s symptoms.

Both the LBJ and Department of Health are urging local residents to continue preventive measures as recommended and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Dengue in Samoa

Re: Dengue in Samoa

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=48308


200 cases of dengue fever in American Samoa in first half of the year

Posted at 23:18 on 09 August, 2009 UTC

More than 200 cases for dengue fever have been reported in the first half of the years in American Samoa

But LBJ hospital?s chief medical officer, Taulapapa Dr. Aloiamoa Anesi, said there are fewer patients with dengue fever overall in the last four months.

But she said it was important to remain vigilant with preventative measures.

Taulapapa said that as long as there are positive cases and mosquitoes around, there will always be the risk of infection with dengue fever.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Dengue in Samoa

Re: Dengue in Samoa

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=49867


American Samoa to check dengue incidence

Posted at 04:22 on 23 October, 2009 UTC

American Samoan health officials are analysing whether there?s been a rise in dengue fever caused by mosquitos breeding in debris left over from the tsunami.

Public Health Emergency Preparedness programme director Siitia Soliai-Lemusu says the LBJ hospital has seen several patients with dengue fever in the past three weeks.

But she says she can?t confirm whether the cases were caused by rising mosquito populations breeding in water holes in washed-up debris.

?Stagnant water is where the mosquito would most likely reproduce and so having these scrap metals around and even the containers, tyres, these can harbour stagnant water.?

Siitia Soliai-Lemusu says a team of epidemiologists will consider medical assessments made shortly after the tsunami and follow-up data that will be gathered this weekend.

She says the results will reveal any outbreaks of disease.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Dengue in Samoa/American Samoa

Re: Dengue in Samoa/American Samoa

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=50174


American Samoa records two dengue related deaths

Posted at 23:05 on 06 November, 2009 UTC

The latest figures released by the LBJ Tropical Medical center in American Samoa shows that there were two dengue related deaths last month.

According to LBJ?s chief Medical officer, Taulapapa Dr Aloiamoa Anesi, last month the hospital tested 98 people and found 62 positive cases of dengue and 2 deaths with positive dengue results.

The ages and gender of the two deaths are not known.

Taulapapa says said this was a definite increase from September when there were 27 dengue cases.

LBJ and the Health Department had predicted a dengue increase post tsunami with many people living in makeshift shelters.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Dengue in Samoa/American Samoa

Re: Dengue in Samoa/American Samoa

Source: http://www.kpua.net/news.php?id=19014

Posted: Monday, November 9th, 2009 4:51 AM HST

Dengue fever rises following tsunami

By Associated Press

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (AP) ? A doctor in American Samoa says the number of confirmed cases of dengue fever doubled in the month following the deadly September 29th tsunami.

Dr. Aloiamoa Anesi is chief medical officer at LBJ Tropical Medical Center.

He says that in October, the U.S. territory's only hospital confirmed 62 cases and American Samoa's first two deaths of 2009 from the mosquito-borne disease. There were 27 confirmed cases of dengue in September.

Anesi attributed the increase to post-tsunami outdoor living by islanders, as well as more breeding places for mosquitoes in debris left in the wake of the disaster.

Dengue causes joint pains, high fevers, nausea and a rash. In severe cases, it can lead to death.

The virus is most commonly spread by mosquitoes that have contracted it after biting infected humans.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Dengue in Samoa/American Samoa

Re: Dengue in Samoa/American Samoa

Source: http://kealakai.byuh.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2214&Itemid=65

Dengue fever hits Samoa

Written by Ben Hale
Monday, 16 November 2009
In the month since the deadly tsunami struck, the cases of dengue fever in American Samoa have doubled. The dengue fever, which is common in the tropics, is caused by a bite from a mosquito carrying the disease. The disease can be life threatening.

The LBJ Tropical Medical Center, the only hospital in American Samoa, has confirmed 62 cases of the fever and two fever-caused deaths in the month of October. ?It is normal to have the fever, but having both the tsunami and more cases of fever is a huge setback at home,? said Sulu Fanene, a senior in English and political science from American Samoa.

Fanene believes that more could have been done to prevent the outbreak, but that American Samoa lacks the supplies and resources to do so. Having only one hospital is also a hindrance, as people often do not receive medical attention in a timely manner.

According to the World Health Organization, there have been increasing amounts of dengue fever cases in recent decades. WHO says that 2.5 billion people, some forty-percent of the world population, are now at risk for dengue fever.

Most of the Samoan students at BYU-Hawaii have family and friends at home who were affected by the tsunami, and their concerns have only risen with the news of dengue fever outbreak. Leiema Hunt, a junior in biological chemistry from American Samoa, said, ?Conditions are bad enough after the tsunami, and the addition of the fever only makes things worse. I?m worried about my friends and family at home.?

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Dengue in Samoa/American Samoa

Re: Dengue in Samoa/American Samoa

Source: http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=50954


Protection against mosquito bites urged in American Samoa to reduce Dengue

Posted at 22:21 on 15 December, 2009 UTC

Residents in American Samoa are being urged to protect themselves against dengue as high infection rates of the mosquito-borne infection continue.

In November, 46 tested positive for dengue and in October 62 people were infected.

The LBJ Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alo Anesi says a factor contributing to the spread is that many people are still living in tents following the tsunami, where they are more exposed to mosquito bites.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Dengue: 2009 Samoa/American Samoa

Source: http://www.kpua.net/news.php?id=19649

Posted: Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 11:33 AM HST

American Samoa reports 436 cases of dengue fever
By Associated Press

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (AP) ? Medical officials in American Samoa report there were 436 confirmed cases of dengue fever in the U.S. territory in 2009. That's down from 667 cases in 2008.

But the chief medical officer at LBJ Tropical Medical Center says last year's count shows residents need to continue to take necessary actions to protect themselves from the potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease.

Dr. Aloiamoa Anesi says mosquito eradication through clearing potential breeding grounds remains important, as well as wearing proper clothing and using proper repellants.

Monthly dengue fever counts jumped to 62 in October and 46 in November following the Sept. 29th tsunami, which left many people living in unprotected damaged homes and tents.