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Samoa reports its first case of “clinically diagnosed” chik virus

Samoa’s Ministry of Health reports one case has been “clinically diagnosed” as the virus known as chikungunya, which is spread by mosquitoes and as a result the Ministry has increased efforts to ensure members of the public are protected and this virus does not spread.

 

The Director General of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri called an urgent meeting with health officials over the “potential case” earlier this week. In response to Samoa News queries, Leause said that the one case involves a girl from Vaimauga and he confirmed that Health authorities sprayed parts of the district of Vaimauga as part of its prevention efforts to stop the spread.

 

According to Leausa, the girl was brought to the hospital on Tuesday night, after medical workers became suspicious because she had all the symptoms including the rash and she had apparently been in American Samoa at the beginning of the month.

 

Leausa told Samoa News that he called an emergency meeting as soon as this case surfaced as its crucial that they monitor this girl and raise precautionary measures to stop the virus from spreading. He told Samoa News the girl is in isolation.

 

The Director General called on members of the public to work with Health officials to reduce the number breeding sites for mosquitoes. He explained that the virus is carried by a mosquito typed called, aedes albopictus and that mosquito type is found in Samoa.

 

“We are doing a screening on those that came from American Samoa,” he said. “In the meantime, we need the public’s support to help with source reduction and support what our people are doing at the wharves and ports of entry in terms of spraying.

 

Media in Samoa report that once this one case surfaced, Samoa’s health officials have been spraying schools, public places and airports along with passengers coming from American Samoa, all measures to prevent this virus from reaching another person.

 

Last week the American Samoa Department of Health reported that there are close to 200 cases of dengue fever like illness in the territory and three cases confirmed as chikungunya or chik virus.