A 73 per cent week-on-week spike in Chikunguna cases presented to health authorities has only confirmed the nationwide epidemic.
With 333 cases presenting to hospitals during the last week of November, this is the most number of people showing symptoms of the disease in one week since the initial outbreak last July, the Ministry of Health Reports (M.O.H.).
“Over 19 weeks, we have seen a total of 3,135 cases, attack rate of 16.7 per 1,000,” the M.O.H. communiqué reads.
“1.7 per cent of Samoa’s population have been infected, those that present to the hospitals. “No Reported deaths.”
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According to the World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) an attack rate as the proportion of those who became ill after a specified exposure.
In this regard, the M.O.H. reports that 20-24 year age group is the hardest hit with an attack rate of 33.3 per 1,000.
Its communiqué says the largest clusters of Chikungunya are contained within the Faleata and Vaimauga districts, with the attack rates ranging from 28.4 per 1,000 people in Faleata West to 38 per 1,000 in Vaimauga West.
The M.O.H. reports to date more females than males have been affected by the disease, with 1692 women presenting with symptoms compared to 1443 men.
Looking now to control measures, the Ministry reports that targeted vector control is continuing, with resistance surveys planned for 2015.
“(Also) multi-media awareness programs are continuing, with emphasis on source reduction,” the M.O.H. reports.
“Multi-sectoral collaboration is continuing with the M.O.H. calling on all sector partners to assist with source reduction.”
Source reduction is removal or permanent destruction of mosquito breeding sites, says the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.).
“The larval habitats may be destroyed by filling depressions that collect water, by draining swamps or by ditching marshy areas to remove standing water,” the U.S. public health agency reports.
“Container-breeding mosquitoes are particularly susceptible to source reduction as people can remove or cover standing water in cans, cups, and rain barrels around houses.”
“Mosquitoes that breed in irrigation water can be controlled through careful water management.”
Local authorities are advising the public to seek medical consultation if very ill. For further information contact the M.O.H. on 68100.
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