Samoa continues to struggle in its response to the current degue fever outbreak with the death of a 9-year-old child this morning, confirmed Acting Deputy Director General for Hospital and Clinical Services, Ulugia Dr. Tito Kamu.
The death of the 9-year-old from Mulifanua takes Samoa’s death toll to four.
A 5-year old girl from Saoluafata passed away on Tuesday at Motootua hospital’s children’s ward. The death toll includes a 12 year old boy and an 8-year-old girl who both lost their lives to dengue in recent months.
According to Ulugia Dr. Tito Kamu, the 9-year-old had been sick for five days, however, the family had chosen to seek traditional healers first.
However, the 9 year oldest grandmother, Faalagilagi Ale Jensen has corrected that they never took her son to a fofo.
“He was well and he went to church on Sunday he was happily dancing with his cousins and families. The church had a video of him dancing actively on that day…
“He started showing symptoms on Monday, and was given panadol he saw a doctor on Tuesday and received the same medication..
“On Wednesday we took him to Faleolo hospital around 2pm although we arrived early he wasn’t seen until 4pm the medical staff were waiting for instructions from the main hospital to proceed with treatment..
“Tragically his heartbeat dropped, and they performed CPR. While waiting for an ambulance he regained a pulse, but we had to wait for an ambulance for about four hours. By the time it arrived, we were near Nofoalii. His heartbeat dropped again we returned back and sadly Meaalofa passed away there.”
“I hope sharing the right and accurate details will help clarify circumstances surrounding his passing,” said Mrs Faalagilagi Ale Jensen.
Ulugia Dr Tito Kamu has advised parents to act quickly, and ensure children are taken the hospital for medical attention early.
Symptoms include muscle and joint pain, high fever, headaches especially behind the eyes, nausea and stomach aches, loss of appetite and a visible rash.
Samoa’s latest situational report confirms 521 cases were confirmed within one week from Monday 21 – Sunday 27 July 2025. That is compared to 498 cases the week before – and 331 cases the week before that.
