Dengue Fever Outbreak in Samoa Claims Sixth Child's Life; New Zealand Sends Medical Aid

Apia, Samoa — A tragic milestone has been reached in the ongoing dengue fever outbreak in Samoa as the death of a 7-year-old child was confirmed over the weekend, raising the official death toll to six. This heartbreaking event occurred just days after the nation celebrated its Father’s Day, adding an extra layer of sorrow to the tragedy.

Dengue fever, commonly referred to as break-bone fever, is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. It is characterized by symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, pain behind the eyes, and a distinctive rash. The disease has been a growing concern in Samoa for several months, with the first reported death occurring in April when 12-year-old Misiafa Lene succumbed to the illness despite efforts to evacuate him to New Zealand for treatment.

In the last week of July and the first few days of August alone, three children lost their lives to the disease. Two of those children were brothers — a 9-year-old who died three days before his 2-year-old sibling also fell victim to the outbreak. Their family shared a heartbreaking message on social media, simply asking, “Aiseā?” — Why?

The outbreak has forced schools across the country to close for weeks as authorities conduct extensive fumigation efforts to eliminate the mosquito population. This week, the Ministry of Education once again announced the closure of schools, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Public awareness and prevention campaigns have intensified, especially on Facebook, where the Samoan community, both at home and abroad, frequently seeks news and updates. The government and local health organizations are working tirelessly to combat the spread of the disease and educate the public on protective measures.

In a show of solidarity and support, a team of New Zealand medical and logistical personnel arrived in Apia on Friday. The team includes members from the NZ Medical Assistance Team, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Fire and Emergency NZ, who will provide logistical support. According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the team will collaborate closely with Samoa’s Ministry of Health to assess the situation and identify ways to best assist in the ongoing response to the outbreak.

“Senior New Zealand public health officials are in close contact with their Samoa counterparts,” the spokesperson said. “New Zealand is ready to provide further support as requested by Samoa.”

Last week, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters announced that up to $300,000 has been allocated to source and fund medical supplies to help combat the outbreak. However, MFAT noted that no requests for assistance have been made by New Zealand citizens in Samoa.

Public health officials have urged all travelers planning to visit Samoa, as well as other Pacific nations experiencing dengue outbreaks, to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. “We encourage all travelers to follow the dengue fever prevention advice on the SafeTravel website. Travellers to Samoa should register their details with SafeTravel,” the statement added.

As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring the dengue fever outbreak in Samoa and the broader Pacific region. The loss of life has highlighted the urgent need for improved public health infrastructure and mosquito control measures in the region.