American Samoan medical staff are trying to ascertain whether dengue fever was the cause of death of a teenager over the weekend.
Photo: 123RF
Deputy Chief Medical Officer at LBJ Hospital Dr Annie Fuavai said that while they strongly suspect dengue, off-island laboratory tests are needed to confirm that the young man died from dengue.
She said the 17-year-old was admitted to the LBJ Hospital three days earlier and died on Saturday.
Health authorities in French Polynesia say type-2 dengue no longer poses a threat to the community.
Health authorities in American Samoa say they needed to declare a health emergency over dengue in order to access federal funds.
The acting American Samoa Governor, Lemanu Peleti Mauga, has declared a public health emergency following the confirmation of 3 people with dengue fever by the Hawaii State Laboratory.
Health authorities in American Samoa again say that getting rid of breeding places of mosquitoes is the most effective way to stave off dengue fever which can turn deadly.
Dengue fever is again on the rise in American Samoa and health authorities are alerting the public to take action to protect themselves and their families.
for ad-free news and current affairs
