Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Dengue fever cases in the territory have risen significantly, with the latest count at 135, an increase from 81 reported just two weeks ago, as confirmed in an update on September 12, 2025.

American Samoa’s Dengue fever outbreak was declared in July. 

This alarming trend was confirmed in a notice from the Department of Health, which emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance in public health. Currently, six patients are receiving treatment in the hospital; however, health officials have reassured the community that none are presently classified as critical cases.

The Environmental Health Services Division of the Department of Health (DOH) is actively continuing its mosquito control campaign aimed at reducing the incidence of dengue fever. As part of this initiative, they are conducting targeted spraying in the homes of individuals diagnosed with dengue, as well as in the residences of their neighbors within a 50-meter radius.

This approach is designed to effectively minimize the mosquito population in the area, thereby lowering the risk of further transmission of the virus. Residents are encouraged to cooperate by keeping windows closed during spraying and following any additional health guidelines provided by the DOH.

In light of the escalating dengue fever situation, the American Samoa Government has extended its Scrap Metal and Bulky Waste Collection program, which has already seen considerable progress in several districts.

This vital initiative is spearheaded by the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS-EPA) in collaboration with the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA). Its primary objective is to eliminate and properly dispose of large waste items and scrap metal that could potentially harbor standing water, creating ideal breeding conditions for the mosquitoes that transmit dengue.

Chief of Staff Leonard Seumanutafa highlighted the importance of this initiative in a general memorandum. He noted that clean-up efforts are being strategically coordinated with the Office of Samoan Affairs, guided by the leadership of village Pulenu’u and Leoleo Nu’u. These partnerships are crucial for mobilizing community involvement and ensuring comprehensive waste removal.

Seumanutafa expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the government to all participating departments, authorities, offices, and private sector companies. Their generous contributions of services and resources have played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the collection drive to date.

As it stands, the program has made remarkable strides in clearing waste from the majority of villages in the western part of the territory. Efforts are now advancing towards the central and eastern regions, focusing on comprehensive waste management.

Specifically, waste collection progress from Nu’uuli to Amaluia is nearly complete, with approximately 90% of the work finalized. In the far west, areas ranging from Asili to Fagalii and including Faganeanea, Matu’u, Fatu ma Futi, Faga’alu, and Utulei, have seen full completion of waste collection.

Meanwhile, in the central region extending from Fagatogo to Aua, approximately 40% of the waste has been removed.

However, collection efforts in the far eastern region have yet to commence, indicating further work is needed to ensure comprehensive cleanliness and minimize the risk of dengue transmission throughout the territory.

The department strongly encourages the public to maintain vigilance in order to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. This can be achieved by ensuring that your surroundings are kept clean and free of debris.

It is essential to regularly empty any containers that collect stagnant water, such as flower pots, bird baths, and discarded tires, as these can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Additionally, they recommend the use of insect repellents and bed nets, especially during peak mosquito activity hours, to further protect yourself and your family from bites.

Samoa News should point out that currently Samoa is reporting lower numbers of dengue fever cases. It cites help from New Zealand in terms of medicine and personnel as well as its own efforts, i.e. cancelling school, spraying for mosquitoes both in the schools and villages, as well as its own Scrap Metal and Bulky Waste Collection program for both Upolu and Savai’i.