Samoa’s Ministry of Health has announced an outbreak of whooping cough, confirming six cases as of Thursday. This action is in line with the Samoa Health Ordinance of 1959 and the Samoa National Communicable Disease Surveillance and Control Guidelines of 2020, which suggest that even a single case may indicate an outbreak due to the disease’s contagious nature and potential health impacts.
The increase in reported cases has been significant at the Moto’otua hospital, with confirmed cases affecting individuals aged between three weeks to 40 years. Notably, the majority of cases are among children under one year old. The Ministry is also awaiting confirmation on additional suspected cases that have been sent overseas for testing.
Among the confirmed cases, the first was a seven-week-old baby who has since recovered. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is characterized by severe coughing spells that can lead to difficulty in breathing, vomiting, and extreme fatigue.
The Ministry has identified vulnerable populations, including infants under six months, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions. In response to the outbreak, the Ministry is enhancing surveillance and monitoring efforts. Residents are advised to practice good hygiene and self-isolate if they are unwell.
Acting Minister for Police and Prisons, Faualo Harry Jeffrey Schuster, emphasized the public health sector’s proactive measures against the whooping cough outbreak and their focus on monitoring young children.
Samoa’s situation is echoed in New Zealand, which has declared an epidemic of whooping cough—the fourth since it became a notifiable disease in 1996. In the month leading up to this announcement, New Zealand reported 263 cases, marking the highest monthly total in 2024. Health experts predict that the epidemic could last from 12 to 18 months, with a notable impact on the Pasifika community, as statistics indicate a high rate of hospital admissions among this group.
Dr. Nikki Turner from the Immunisation Advisory Centre and Associate Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga from Auckland University are urging communities to stay vigilant and ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, especially given the disease’s spread in nearby regions, including Australia and French Polynesia.
Health New Zealand has stated there is currently no confirmed link between cases in Samoa and New Zealand but underscores the importance of vaccinations before international travel.
As Samoa deals with this outbreak, it’s important to remember that health authorities are responding swiftly, ensuring that communities are aware and taking necessary precautions. Continued vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines can help mitigate the impact of this outbreak, keeping families and communities safe.
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