Department of Health’s Communicable Disease Surveillance Nurse Sharmaine Mageo has issued a health alert on Dengue Fever. Mrs Mageo, a registered nurse, stated that in light of the ongoing dengue fever outbreak in Fiji (with ten dead), we should help one another by keeping our backyards clean and adhering to the 3D’s anti-dengue campaign.

D= DRESS appropriately when working outside, preferably with long sleeves, trousers, socks and shoes (sportshoes); D= DRAIN all containers that hold water lying around your house, since stagnant water is an ideal place for mosquitoes to breed; D= DEET please use an insect repellant containing this anti-mosquito ingredient.

She noted that because the dengue outbreak raises grave concerns, she’s not only spoken to family members but is also using her personal Facebook page to get the word out.

Mageo stated that American Samoa has not had a dengue outbreak since 2008, “so we are well due for one, since traditionally these happen every 2-3 years.”

Dengue appears with a sudden onset of fever, aching joints/bones,decreased appetite and eye pain. Treatment is aimed at signs and symptoms, using Tylenol or Panadol as directed. Please do not use ADVIL, MOTRIN or ALLEVE, she cautions, as ingredients in these over the counter medicines may cause bleeding.

The DoH nurse also advises rest and increased fluid intake should you come down with dengue.

“If at any time you cannot tolerate keeping fluids down please come to the ER for IV rehydration,” she told Samoa News. There is no medication for dengue treatment.

“The only weapon we have to fight this miserable illness is by coming together as a community and keeping our island “mozzie” (mosquito) free.

Remember the mosquito responsible for carrying the dengue virus is a “morning mozzie” — not the annoying buzzer in the evening, so our children are susceptible as they are on their way to school.”

“At this time we have no confirmed cases, and we want to keep it that way,” she said. “Any queries, you are welcome to contact me at : surveillance@doh.as or 7314779.”