Chikungunya has hit the village of Leauva’a the hardest with the Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) reporting more than 460 people presenting with the virus nation wide.
In the latest alert, the Director General of Health Leausa Dr Take Naseri reports that his Ministry continues to observe the situation.
He said most of the cases recorded were young people under the age of 35 years, with the majority of these patients being under four years of age.
“The Chikungunya (CHIKV) outbreak in Samoa continues to be monitored by the M.O.H.,” Leausa said.
“So far, presentation of the main signs and symptoms of those affected, have largely been mild with acute fever and rash, and joint pains."
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“This report includes further test results of samples taken in August, whereby the Lab has confirmed 42 of 115 samples, 36 per cent, as CHIKV infection."
“As of July 21 to September 7, 2014, there is now a cumulative total of 461 cases of suspected and confirmed Chikungunya cases.”
Leausa reports the most affected areas continue to be the densely populated Apia Urban Area (A.U.A.) and North West Upolu (N.W.U.).
“By now many more cases are being reported from outer lying areas in Savaii and rural Upolu,” he said.
“(The) attack rate for Samoa is currently at 2.5 per 1,000.”
According to the World Health Organisation (W.H.O), an attack rate is defined as the proportion of those who became ill after a specified exposure.
So when looking at the distribution of Chickungunya cases by districts, Leauva’a, in Gagaemauga 1, has the highest attack rate per 1,000 (see above table).
While 112 cases have been reported to the Ministry in Faleata East and Vaimauga West has presented with 104 cases to date, with their large populations of 12,630 and 24,105 their attack rate is much lower.
According to the Ministry, with 16 recorded cases and a population of on 1,404, Leauva’a has a much higher attack rate of 11.4 per 1,000.
Looking now to Public Health measures, Leausa said they were ongoing and include vector control by source reduction, that is chemical spraying and continued clean up.
“(The) multi-media campaign messages and health promotion and awareness programs on Chikungunya and source reduction (continues),” he said.
“(There is also) continued surveillance and reporting.”
Leausa advises the public to seek medical consultation if very ill.
For further information contact Ministry of Health at 68100.
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