With the increase in the number of local dengue fever cases, Lt. Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga, who is also acting governor, declared last Friday that a public health emergency exists in American Samoa.

The Health Department director pursuant to local laws, Lemanu’s declaration states, issued the declaration of a public health emergency, upon recommendation. Furthermore, the “confirmation of multiple cases of dengue fever virus in American Samoa constitutes a public health emergency, or an imminent threat of a public health emergency.”

Utilizing “rapid dengue kits” for local testing at LBJ Medical Center, DOH Magele Scott Anesi told Samoa News on Feb. 17 that 13 cases were positive.

“We have results that have confirmed 6 cases through the Hawaii State laboratory with [more] samples pending,” he said at the time, adding that the majority of the cases came from Afono and Vatia villages with one case from Nuuuli. Ages of the victims range from 2 years old to 77.

Lemanu’s emergency declaration, which covers all of American Samoa, authorizes the Health director to engage DOH, LBJ Medical Center, Office of Samoan Affairs and such other agencies that may be deemed necessary “to participate in active vector control” in villages as may be designated.

DOH is further authorized under law to use any resources and facilities needed to fully and comprehensively respond to the dengue outbreak. Additionally, all ASG agencies are directed to provide all assistance, collaboration and coordination as requested by DOH.

The emergency declaration revealed that there were two laboratory-confirmed dengue cases last November and December. Additionally, there were 30 suspected dengue cases from Jan. 20 to Feb. 17.

It also notes that the current confirmed positive cases were tested positive for dengue serotype 2, which has not been circulated in the territory since 1972 and as such all those that were born in American Samoa after this date, or who first arrived in American Samoa after this date “are the primary susceptible members of our population.”

Symptoms of dengue fever include — joint pain, eye pain, fever, rash, muscle pain and gastrointestinal discomfort and problems, and severe headaches. And these symptoms may be similar to those of chikungunya and Zika, with all strains having the potential to go hemorrhagic, with a 1% mortality rate.

Therefore, it is necessary to deploy all appropriate territorial resources for community engagement, protection and prevention. The primary focus of which consists of source reduction campaigns and enforcement of the 4D Campaign.

According to Lemanu, the emergency declaration is in effect for a period of 180-days from Mar. 3, unless rescinded sooner, or extended.

The declaration comes at a time when there is an alarming increase in dengue fever cases in the Pacific region. Radio New Zealand International reported over the weekend that Fiji authorities report 155 cases.

In the Solomon Islands more than 10,000 dengue fever cases have been confirmed since an outbreak last August; Vanuatu has had more than 1,700 since November; and New Caledonia has had more than 1,000 cases since September. And so far three lives have been claimed by dengue in New Caledonia in the past month.

World Health Organization surveillance officer Viema Biaukula tells RNZI that many of the outbreaks have been identified as dengue serotype 2, which she said was likely being spread by travel.