Samoa's Director General of Health Alec Ekeroma Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tipi Autagavaia
A national cleaning campaign is underway in Samoa to address the nation's outbreak of dengue fever.
Since November last year, there has been more than 200 cases confirmed, with the majority from the main island of Upolu, while cases also recorded on Savai'i.
Cleaning will be carried out mostly in the northwest part of Upolu.
There will also be a fumigation campaign that will involve spraying of schools and hospitals to get rid of mosquitoes.
The Health Ministry is giving the campaign two weeks to make gains and if it does not work, a new strategy will be looked at.
Director General of Health Dr Alec Ekeroma told local media that travel guidelines will be revised for visitors to Samoa.
Five people died in the last dengue outbreak in Samoa from 2017-2018.
American Samoa
American Samoa is calling for people to do their part to prevent dengue fever after the dengue outbreak in neighbouring Samoa.
The Ministry of Health is adivisng people to destroy mosquito breeding grounds and keep homes free of the insects, watch for dengue symptoms, and avoid unnecessary movement at dawn and dusk.
