The Situation Report for Chikungunya for the week ending January 11, 2014, shows a decline in numbers has continued for this time period, says Department of Health Epidemiologist Scott Anesi in response to Samoa News queries. According to Anesi, American Samoa’s numbers are well below threshold for outbreak numbers and are declining across all age groups and demographics.

“We will continue to monitor the situation for possible co-infections of Chik and the current flu outbreak. The virus has blanketed most of the territory and will do so until it has reached all susceptible individuals.”

He said to date there are 1241 probable cases reported with 19 hospitalizations and no deaths, and no further cases have been reported in Manu’a. Reference lab testing confirmed positive for chikungunya (37 of 67 patients tested), and negative for dengue, Zika and measles, with further testing in progress.

Anesi told Samoa News the data shows a decrease in average cases as well as a steady decrease in attack rate through all the districts. “All age groups showed a steady decrease in incidence.”

“Long-term joint pain cases and repeat visits for joint pain decreased this week, especially with the over 40 population. The outbreak is running its course and we are seeing diminishing numbers weekly. This would signify the outbreak is coming to an end. There will be sporadic cases until total spread through the territory but numbers will not be significant enough for outbreak levels. We will continue to monitor the situation for any surges.”

He told Samoa News that mass text messages and media releases have been undertaken regarding risk of disease, mode of spread, encouraging hotline utilization, clinic or ER care for patients with acute fever, rash and/or body aches, mosquito control and avoidance of bites.

The “Chik Hotline” for management of patients and general information is available 24/7, (684-731-7511). Alert and situation updates are distributed to physicians, nurses, key government agencies, federal partners and regional colleagues weekly.

The Emergency Preparedness division of the Department of Health continues the distribution of WHO bed nets and mosquito repellent. Multi-agency village vector control activities continue. Travel advisories are handed out at the airport and seaport for departing and arriving travelers. American Samoa Epi-Net team continues to monitor progress of outbreak and will report weekly. A Public Health team that included education and vector control conducted Manu’a outreach, Anesi told Samoa News yesterday.

However, in Samoa the number of people being infected with Chikungunya is not slowing down.

Samoa Observer reports that it’s been confirmed by the Manager of Clinical Services of the National Health Services at Moto’otua, Leituala Dr. Ben Matalavea.

According to Leituala the wet season also contributes to the spread of mosquitoes.

He said that half of the cases of Chikungunya are not reported to the Health authorities.

“I’m sure the public has been advised that if you have symptoms of this disease stay at home. If all those people come to the hospital, it clogs up the system.

"You only need to take Paracetamol, unless it is a child. For the rest of the population, those who are experiencing acute fever and rash, they must not immediately assume it is Chikungunya.

“We have to think it might be another of the nasty diseases, and Rheumatic fever is one of those diseases.”

Samoa Observer reports that Leituala also lamented that although Chikungunya still hasn’t claimed any lives in the country, it can easily affect half of a company’s workforce due to the extreme joint pains a patient experiences.

“The impact of that might not really be health related, but economically for the country it’s a real bad thing; the economy can be badly affected because of workers getting sick.”

Anesi told Samoa News that DOH will continue to do surveillance for any surges and update as to when to call off the outbreak, as more monitoring data is collected.

He add, “Thank you for your support and patience. Please feel free to call the infectious disease hotline at 731-7511 or the treatment and information hotline at 770-1574 with any concerns or inquires.”