Samoa: Urban and densely populated areas highly affected by dengue outbreak

On 23 July, the caretaker Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Ponifasio, announced the closure of all schools from 28 July to 1 August 2025 as part of a national response to the country’s dengue fever outbreak. The announcement follows a previous closure of all Early Childhood Education programmes and Primary School classes for Years 1 to 7 from 21-25 July 2025. Ponifasio disclosed that 1,756 cases had been confirmed from January to 20 July 2025, with two children recently reported dead from the outbreak. The national responses include fumigations, blood donations, and clean-up activities while schools remain closed.

Assessment: The Ministry of Health confirmed the circulation of dengue virus serotypes DENV-1 and DENV-2 in the country, with children and adolescents under age 15 being the most affected. Northwest Upolu and the Apia Urban Area were reported as the most impacted. The above-mentioned areas are densely populated and very likely polluted with mosquito-breeding stagnant waters. The increasing case numbers reveal negligent containment measures by the Ministry of Health. Densely populated areas are very likely to continue to record increased cases.

Sources: Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo, “Dengue forces schools to remain closed,” Samoa Observer, July 17, 2025; Marieta Heidi Ilalio, “Dengue precaution; Schools close for another week,” Samoa Observer, July 17, 2025; Andrina Elvira Burkhart, “703 dengue cases in the first six months,” Samoa Observer, July 19, 2025; Marieta Heidi Ilalio, “Dengue: Govt closes all schools,” Samoa Observer, July 24, 2025.