Dengue: 2009 Samoa/American Samoa

[Shiloh]

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

Source: http://kealakai.byuh.edu/index.php?o...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

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.