HEALTH: Samoa Declares Dengue Fever Outbreak

Apia, Samoa – 17 April 2025 – The Ministry of Health has officially declared a dengue fever outbreak in Samoa after a significant increase in the number of suspected and confirmed cases, particularly in Upolu, over the past two weeks.

The Ministry says that since January, a total of 15 confirmed cases have been reported from the laboratory, with I of these cases identified within the past two weeks.

Most cases have been reported at the Moto’otua Main Hospital (TTM), where patients initially presented with other flu-like symptoms before testing positive for dengue.

The majority of these individuals have recovered well without requiring admission to hospital.

The most affected areas are those located in the Northwest of Upolu, with cases reported across all age groups. Tragically, one death has been confirmed as related to dengue. This is a 12-year-old boy who was treated at the Hospital before he was transferred to New Zealand where he died last weekend.

Dengue fever is a viral illness caused by four (U) different types of dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2), DENV-3 and DENV-4) and is spread by mosquitoes. It is transmitted from person to person through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

All four (U) types of the virus can lead to severe infections, including Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, a potentially life-threatening condition that may cause internal bleeding and organ failure. Hemorrhagic dengue can progress rapidly and may lead to death if not treated promptly.

Common symptoms of dengue include:
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea
• Rash
• Fatigue.

Severe symptoms of dengue include abdominal pain, bleeding gums, and vomiting blood, all of which require urgent medical attention.