Declaration of Public Health Emergency - Dengue Fever

Seal of the Government of American Samoa

PULAALI'I NIKOLAO PULA

GOVERNOR

PULUMATAALA AE AE JR.

LT. GOVERNOR

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR AMERICAN SAMOA GOVERNMENT

PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA 96799

Telephone: (684) 633-4116 | (684) 633-4121

DECLARATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Dengue Fever

WHEREAS, as of July 7, 2025, the American Samoa Department of Health has confirmed a total of six (6) cases of Dengue Fever in the Territory; and

WHEREAS, four (4) of those cases involve individuals with recent travel to neighboring Samoa, and two (2) have been determined to have been acquired locally with no history of recent travel; and

WHEREAS, three (3) of the confirmed cases are children who have contracted the viral infection; and

WHEREAS, Department of Health is conducting tests to identify the specific strain of dengue fever present in the Territory; and

WHEREAS, symptoms of Dengue Fever include joint pain, eye pain, fever, rash, muscle pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, and severe headache;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to deploy all appropriate territorial resources for community engagement, protection and prevention; the primary focus of which consists of source reduction campaigns and enforcement of the '4Ds': Dress appropriately; use Deet-based insect repellent; Drain and dispose of all water accumulating containers, and Discuss prevention methods with everyone in your community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PULAALI'I NIKOLAO PULA, Governor of the Territory of American Samoa, do herewith declare a Public Health Emergency, upon the recommendation of the Director of Health, pursuant to the Emergency Health Powers Act.

The identified cases present an imminent threat of a public health emergency, affecting all of the Territory of American Samoa. Because the spread of Dengue Fever is now occurring through local infection and the spread of the infection to larger segments of the population would quickly overtax our limited resources available through LBJ Tropical Medical Center and DOH Health Centers, it is wise for all segments of the population – especially government – to take this impending threat seriously at this time.

The Director of Health shall engage the American Samoa Medical Center Authority, the Office of Samoan Affairs, and any other necessary agencies to actively participate in vector control in identified villages.

The Director of Health is further authorized to use any and all resources and facilities to fully and comprehensively deal with this emergency.

All departments, agencies and offices of the American Samoa Government are directed to provide assistance, collaboration and coordination that may be requested by the Department of Health.

Dated: July 8, 2025

RULAALI'I NIKOLAO PULA

Governor of American Samoa