Samoa: Early childhood schools likely to resume after August ends

Around 6 August, the Acting Director General of Health, Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen, warned that, according to available data, dengue fever cases are expected to reach their highest peak before August ends. On 8 August, the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) announced an extension of the school closure, from 12 to 15 August 2025, as a containment plan for the outbreak. Separately, the Acting Deputy Director General for Hospital and Clinical Services, Ulugia Dr. Tito Kamu, confirmed the shortage of dengue test kits. He disclosed that new kits are expected to arrive in the coming week. The current dengue death toll stands at seven.

Assessment: Densely populated areas are very likely to continue recording multiple cases, but consistent containment measures, including fumigations and the destruction of mosquito habitats , are very likely to account for a reduction in cases. Considering the demography of the death toll (children below 10 years old), secondary schools are very likely to resume before early childhood facilities.

Sources: Bethel Ale, “Warning: Dengues cases to peak in three weeks,” Samoa Observer, August 6, 2025; Bethel Ale, “Dengue test kits in short supply, confirms senior health official,” Samoa Observer, August 7, 2025; Bethel Ale, “Schools to remain closed next week,” Samoa Observer, August 8, 2025; Shalveen Chand, “Dengue claims sixth child,” Samoa Observer, August 8, 2025.