Health

Dengue Fever Claims 8th Victim

Published

3 months ago

February 6, 2026

A fumigation team prepares to spray mosquitoes breeding sites as part of the fight against dengue fever since the outbreak in 2025.

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 6 February 2026 – A 7-month-old baby is the latest Dengue fever victim bringing the total number of dengue-related deaths to eight (8) since the outbreak began in April 2025.

The latest update from the Ministry of Health show that 16,848 dengue fever cases have been confirmed from 1 January 2025 to 1 February 2026.

From 26 January 2026 to 2 February 2026, 52 new cases have been recorded and 11 have been hospitalised.

“These patients are being carefully monitored, and none are in intensive care, with one death, a 7-month-old baby,” states the update.

In the past months, admission rates were low, however that has changed since January 2026 of people “presenting with the dengue-like symptom at several health care clinics.”

Areas where cases are reported from are Vaimauga, Sagaga, Faasalelelaga and Palauli districts.

The Deputy Director of Health, Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thompson confirmed that there are two kinds of dengue fever currently circulating in Samoa and that the country is still in the dengue fever outbreak status since April 2025.

The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to maintain sanitation around the homes by clear mosquito breeding sites.

“The main way to prevent dengue is to reduce mosquito breeding sites around homes and communities. Families are encouraged to regularly clean their surroundings, cover or empty containers holding water, and remove any standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

“With children back in school, parents and teachers are encouraged to organize regular clean-ups, and children should use mosquito repellents or protective clothing when possible. Families are also encouraged to use mosquito nets at home, especially for young children and the elderly.

“We are currently experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds, which create more places for mosquitoes to breed. The public is reminded to be patient and persistent with cleaning and mosquito prevention measures during this season,” the Ministry of Health advises.