Samoa’s Ministry of Health has officially declared an outbreak of whooping cough, with six confirmed cases reported as of Thursday. This decision follows a notable rise in cases recorded at the main hospital in Moto’otua, as outlined by the Samoa Health Ordinance of 1959 and the National Communicable Disease Surveillance and Control Guidelines of 2020.
The confirmed cases involve individuals ranging from three weeks to 40 years old, with the majority being infants under one year. Among these, the first confirmed case was a seven-week-old baby who has since recovered. The Ministry is currently awaiting confirmation on additional suspected cases sent abroad for testing.
Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is characterized by intense coughing spells that can lead to breathing difficulties, vomiting, and exhaustion. The Ministry emphasizes that certain groups, particularly infants under six months, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions, are at greater risk.
In response to the outbreak, the health authorities are enhancing surveillance and monitoring of cases. They advise the public to practice good hygiene and recommend that those feeling unwell self-isolate at home. Acting Minister for Police and Prisons, Faualo Harry Jeffrey Schuster, confirmed ongoing monitoring of vulnerable infants and children.
Meanwhile, New Zealand has also declared a whooping cough epidemic—its fourth since the disease became notifiable in 1996—following a surge in reported cases. Recent statistics indicate 263 cases in the month preceding the epidemic announcement, marking the highest monthly total for 2024. Health experts anticipate a prolonged epidemic lasting between 12 to 18 months.
In light of these developments, health officials are urging communities, especially Pacific populations in New Zealand, to ensure they are vaccinated, citing that 28% of reported cases led to hospital admissions among this demographic. Health authorities continue to ask travelers from regions where whooping cough is circulating—such as Australia and French Polynesia—to keep their vaccinations current.
Summary: Samoa has reported an outbreak of whooping cough, with six confirmed cases primarily among infants. Steps are being taken to manage the situation, while there is a concurrent epidemic in New Zealand. Health officials are stressing the importance of vaccination and vigilance to combat this infectious disease.
This situation encourages a community response and highlights the importance of vaccination as a protective measure. By ensuring immunization, we can collectively work towards minimizing the impact of whooping cough on vulnerable populations.
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