Samoan Health on Alert for possible Monkey Box Threat

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 11 September 2024 – At the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) media briefing yesterday, the Director General of Health, Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma discussed three diseases that are posing a threat as Samoa counts down to hosting the delegates in five weeks time.

These diseases are Monkey Box, Measles and Whooping Cough.

“The monkey box disease is currently affecting the Ivory Coast in Africa and spreading to neighbouring countries,” Aiono said.

Although it is a long way from Samoa, he said the virus spreads fast and these African countries are members of the Commonwealth and their delegations will be in Samoa.

Asked if one can be a carrier of Monkey Box virus even after vaccination, Aiono said there is no evidence to date but it is possible.

He said the advice to those travelling from Africa and nearby countries to have their three vaccination doses done starting now before departing their countries.

He said there is no vaccines to cater for any CHOGM delegates yet as there are not enough vaccines to cater for the African countries currently affected by the virus.

There are also no rapid kits to do testing and they have already asked WHO for assistance on these areas.

Unlike COVID-19 rapid tests done through the nose, the monkey box swap are done on sores (papala) and the closest lab where the test can be confirmed for monkey box is Melbourne, Australia.

Measles
Measles is still a threat in the Pacific hence the Ministry of Health vaccination campaign currently in progress in areas of Vaitele towards Faleolo.

“The vaccination rates are very low,” said Aiono.

The whooping cough disease is affecting one Pacific Island.

Aiono said the Ministry is keeping a close watch on these diseases and they will also monitor people coming into the country at the time of the meeting, but if the monkey box disease does enter Samoa, the Ministry is preparing for it.

“If someone is suspected to have the monkey box virus, there is an isolation place allocated at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) CHOGM Ward for them,” he said.

The monkey box virus entered Australia, Canada and New Zealand in 2022.

With limited medicines resources, Aiono said they have advised delegations that if they are on medication or special medications to bring them when they come over for the meeting.

14 medical clinics with personnel services
There are 14 venues allocated for meetings and each venue will have its own clinic, a doctor, nurse and paramedics and an ambulance.

The four hotels where the VIPs will stay will also have their clinic and a 24 hour medical services. The hotels include Sheraton Aggie Greys Bungalows, Taumeasina Island Resort, Sinalei Resort and Return to Paradise Resort.