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An American Samoa epidemiologist has extended the closure of daycare centres in the territory due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
In an update on Monday local time, 234 RSV cases were confirmed, with 55 new ones in the latest reporting period.
RSV is a common virus that affects the upper and lower respiratory system and can cause a range of severe respiratory illnesses, according to the Immunisation Advisory Centre.
The disease is spread through droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze. Symptoms include isease include runny nose, cough, fever, wheezing or finding it hard to breathe.
Infants, young children and older adults are most vulnerable to severe RSV.
KZKV TV reported that epidemiologist Adam Konrote said the daycare centre closures are extended for a week from Monday, and this will be reassessed on a weekly basis.
"Cases remain high, particularly among paediatric patients at LBJ Hospital," he said.
"While we continue to monitor hospitalisation rates closely, we emphasise the need for heightened community awareness and preventative measures to help slow the spread."
A Department of Health paediatrician said they were very concerned for babies under three months of age, and recommended caution around interactions, including with siblings who have come home from school.
Konrote said they are also monitoring international and regional threats, with two diseases on their watchlist: dengue and measles.
"The surveillance unit has been closely monitoring outbreaks of dengue in both Fiji and Tonga," he said.
He said returnees from those countries who experience symptoms should report to a health centre or LBJ Hospital and inform them of their travel.
Konrote said a measles outbreak is ongoing in Texas, in the US mainland.
He said recent reports indicate the outbreak is mostly affecting unvaccinated children.
"We urge families to ensure their MMR [measles, mumps and rubella] vaccines are up to date especially if they are travelling to the mainland US."
Konrote also noted recent heavy rains and increased risk of diseases like leptospirosis.
Meanwhile, in Tonga, a dengue update on Tuesday reported 30 new cases for a cumulative total of 129.
Sixty-three of these are from Vava'u.
One person was in intensive care, and another nine in hospital.
Tonga's Ministry of Health said ongoing prevention measures include vector control to hotspot and high-risk areas, and awareness programs to schools and churches.
