ENG – Caretaker Government declares National Response to Dengue Fever Outbreak

On April 17, 2025, the Ministry of Health officially declared a major Dengue Fever outbreak following a sharp increase in confirmed cases.

From January to July 20, 2025, a total of 1,756 laboratory confirmed cases have been recorded, with hospital reports indicating an average of over 100 new cases per week. The Ministry confirms the presence of two dengue virus serotypes circulating in the country as DENV-1and DENV-2.

Children and young people remain the most affected, with severe illness predominantly observed in those under the age of 15.

Tragically, two child fatalities have been reported to date.

The most impacted areas include Northwest Upolu and the Apia Urban Area, although the outbreak has now spread across the country.

Hospitals, especially pediatric units, are under considerable strain, prompting the establishment of additional beds and temporary wards to manage the increased number of admissions.

At its meeting on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Cabinet discussed and approved the Ministry of Health’s proposed plans to strengthen the nation’s protection against the spread of the Dengue Fever outbreak, and directs the following actions:

1. The activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to coordinate national response efforts for the dengue outbreak in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

   The implementation of public awareness programs to increase national preparedness, information on response plans and their execution to ensure the public is well-informed, coordinated through the NEOC.

   3. The execution of programs for cleaning homes and public spaces, focusing on the elimination of mosquito breeding sites and stagnant water, directing:

   a) The Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development, to work together with villages, districts, and community councils;

   b) The Ministry of Commerce and Labor, taking the lead in coordinating with businesses to clean premises and workplaces;

   c) All Government Ministries and Agencies, to take part in the national clean up and fumigation of offices and surrounding environment;

   4. The closure of all schools nationwide for one (1) week, starting from Monday, July 28 to Friday, August 1, 2025, while school fumigation programs are carried out.

   5. The call for voluntary blood donations, led by the Samoa Red Cross Society in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, to ensure an adequate supply of blood for critically ill patients.

   6. The allocation and organization of government emergency funds through the Ministry of Finance to support the national dengue fever response.

   7. Engagement with health development partners, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to support the Ministry of Health’s Dengue Fever Outbreak Workplan.

   8. The use of government ministries and agencies’ vehicles to support the Ministry of Health’s transportation needs in executing its Dengue Fever Work plan.

These actions are aligned with the national Vector Control Strategy 2023–2030 and the Health Ordinance 1959.

We strongly urge all members of the public – communities, households, businesses, schools, churches to actively eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, remain alert to symptoms of dengue such as fever, joint pain, and rash, and seek medical attention immediately if unwell.

Let us work together to protect the health and well-being of our communities.

Soifua.

ATA: Government of Samoa / Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo