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Dengue in Samoa (Update 1)

20 Dec 2017

According to media  the Ministry of Health in Samoa has reported 1522 cases of dengue (including 4 deaths) between October and 15 December 2017. The largest number of cases has been identified in the capital, Apia, with children particularly affected.

Advice for Travellers

The best way to avoid infection is to prevent mosquito bites. As the transmitting mosquitoes bite from dawn until dusk, long clothing should be worn and repellents should be used all day.

See also information about Insect Bite Avoidance.

Medical attention must be sought for any feverish illness experienced whilst travelling or on your return home.

There is no vaccine against dengue fever for travellers.

A vaccine for use in people living in dengue affected countries aged between 9 – 45 years has been licenced in Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico and the Phillippines. However, use of the vaccine is now under review due to safety concerns (December 2017).

For further information see Dengue Fever.