Samoa’s Ministry of Health has officially declared an outbreak of whooping cough, following the confirmation of six cases as of Thursday. The decision to declare an outbreak is aligned with the Samoa Health Ordinance of 1959 and the Samoa National Communicable Disease Surveillance and Control Guidelines of 2020, which acknowledge the highly infectious nature of the disease and its possible public health impacts.
The Ministry highlighted that the cases reported at the main hospital in Moto’otua primarily affect individuals ranging in age from as young as three weeks to forty years, with a notable number being infants under one year old. The first confirmed case was a seven-week-old baby who has since recovered. Additional suspected cases have been sent overseas for confirmation.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is characterized by severe coughing spells that can cause difficulty breathing, vomiting, and extreme fatigue. The most vulnerable groups include infants under six months, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry is implementing measures for increased surveillance and monitoring. They advise the public to maintain proper hygiene practices and to self-isolate if feeling unwell. Faualo Harry Jeffrey Schuster, the Acting Minister for Police and Prisons, emphasized heightened precautions for monitoring young children.
Simultaneously, New Zealand has declared its own epidemic of whooping cough, marking the fourth such occurrence since the disease became notifiable in 1996. Reports show that there were 263 cases in the month leading up to this announcement, the highest monthly total so far in 2024. Health experts warn that this epidemic may last up to 18 months, with a high percentage of Pasifika individuals being admitted to hospitals for treatment.
Health officials in both Samoa and New Zealand stress the importance of vaccination, particularly given the increasing travel between these nations and others experiencing outbreaks. They urge the community to stay up-to-date with vaccinations to mitigate the spread of this preventable disease.
This outbreak serves as a critical reminder of the importance of vaccination and public health measures, highlighting the interconnectedness of regional health issues. The proactive approach taken by Samoa’s health authorities reflects a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and preventing further transmission, fostering hope for containment and recovery from this outbreak.
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