DENGUE FEVER CAMPAIGN UPDATE – COMPLETION OF SCHOOL FUMIGATION IN SAVAI’I
The Government of Samoa confirms the successful completion of school fumigation operations in Savai’i, marking a major milestone in the nationwide campaign against dengue fever.
“All schools allocated for fumigation on the island have now been thoroughly treated as part of the Government’s continued efforts to reduce the spread of dengue and protect the health and wellbeing of communities, particularly school children and staff,” reads a press release.
“The Government acknowledges the hard work and coordination of all personnel involved in this important public health intervention. Community vigilance remains crucial, and members of the public are encouraged to continue eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around their homes.”
Schools across Samoa have beel closed this week to allow for a large-scale fumigation program led by public servants from Health and Education, and other NEOC partners.
Samoa has sadly recorded four deaths since the dengue fever outbreak. A nine year old fromn Mulifanua was the latest death announced yesterday, and a five year old girl from Saoluafata passed away earlier this week.
The children’s ward at the main Motootua National Hospital is at full capacity. The private sector has since stepped in with donations of beds from Island Rock Ltd.
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.
Samoa has 2,277 recorded cases since January 2025. Children are the worst hit with 71% of all recorded cases between ages 1 and 15 years.
The dengue fever outbreak was declared for Samoa in April 2025.
This prompted a swift response from the private sector – with Island Rock Limited donating 10 beds to the children’s ward, with 10 more expected for Tuasivi next week.
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Hon Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio had last week set out Samoas comprehensive national response to the dengue fever outbreak including the start up of the NEOC (National Emergency Operations Centre).
We acknowledge the hard work and committment of all Government lead agencies including Ministry of Health Samoa, Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Women Community and Social Development, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa, Disaster Management Office – Samoa.
