Third child dies as dengue fever cases surge in Sāmoa

Sāmoa has reported its third death linked to the ongoing dengue fever outbreak, with health authorities confirming the loss of a five-year-old child who was referred to the national hospital in Moto'otua.

The latest fatality was confirmed by Acting Director General of Health, Ulugia Dr. Tito Kamu, as reported by local television channel TV1 earlier on Wednesday. The child was transferred from a district hospital in Eastern Upolu.

The update comes just hours after the Ministry of Health issued its weekly Situation Report (SITREP) for 21-27 July. The report, released via the government press office, does not yet reflect this latest death, highlighting the rapid evolution of the outbreak.

The total number of confirmed dengue cases now stands at 2277, with children aged 15 and under representing the most affected group. Most infections are concentrated in the Apia urban area and Northwest Upolu, with Faleata district accounting for 31 per cent of all cases.

In a press briefing held on Monday, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) outlined its ongoing response measures. These include a nationwide school closure, a large-scale fumigation campaign, community clean-ups, and a blood donation drive led by the Red Cross.

Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thompsen, of the NEOC, confirmed 24 children are receiving treatment for dengue-related symptoms at Moto'otua hospital, with patients admitted to both the main and isolation wards. He also noted that extended hours from 6pm to 8am will now be reserved strictly for suspected dengue patients.

The NEOC was officially activated on 24 July following a spike in case numbers and mounting pressure on hospital resources. Fumigation efforts have been concentrated in the populated areas of Northwest Upolu throughout the week, with spraying expected to begin in Savai'i districts later this week.

Watch: Tagaloa Dr Robert Thompsen says the surge in cases is expected to decline after 4-5 weeks, and community clean-ups and widespread fumigation efforts will help to break the transmission of the virus. Tagaloa says 10 doctors currently staff the paediatric ward, and with the Outpatients services now open after hours for dengue cases, Sāmoa's health services are coping.