Samoa Faces Whooping Cough Outbreak Ahead of holidays
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Call for Vaccination Before Travel
Dr. Alec Ekeroma, Samoa’s health director general, has issued a strong appeal to travelers planning trips to Samoa. “Check your vaccination status and get vaccinated before coming to Samoa, particularly the elderly,” he urged.Dr. Ekeroma highlighted that adult vaccines are not available in Samoa at this time, though efforts are underway to procure them. “We are procuring that at the moment, at a huge cost,” he explained.High Vaccination Rates for Infants
Dr. Ekeroma emphasized that Samoa maintains high vaccination rates for infants. He noted that 100 percent of infants are vaccinated by six weeks old, 95 percent by 10 weeks, and 86 percent by 14 weeks. However, he believes that the current outbreak likely originated from New Zealand.Samoa Grapples with Whooping Cough Outbreak ahead of Holidays
we’re joined today by Dr. Alec Ekeroma, Samoa’s director general of health, to discuss teh recent whooping cough outbreak impacting the islands. Welcome,Dr. Ekeroma.
**Dr. Ekeroma:** thank you for having me.
The outbreak is certainly concerning, especially with the holidays approaching. Could you tell us more about the current situation and the number of cases?
**Dr. Ekeroma:** As of September, we have confirmed 14 cases and are investigating an additional 95 suspected cases, bringing the total number of suspected and confirmed cases to over 100. This is a serious concern, especially as over half of those infected have required hospitalization and 45 percent involve infants under one year old.
That’s alarming. You’ve issued a strong call for travelers to Samoa to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated before arriving, notably the elderly. can you expand on this?
**Dr. Ekeroma:** Yes, adult vaccinations are not readily available in Samoa at the moment. We are working to procure them, but it comes at a notable cost.Travelers,especially the elderly who are more vulnerable,risking bringing the infection with them,and
vaccinating before traveling is crucial.
Samoa maintains impressive vaccination rates for infants, but the outbreak seems likely linked to New Zealand. Can you elaborate on these points?
**Dr. Ekeroma:** Samoa has a robust infant vaccination program.100 percent of infants are vaccinated by six weeks old, 95 percent by 10 weeks, and 86 percent by 14 weeks.
However, based on initial investigations, we believe the current outbreak was imported, possibly from New Zealand.
This outbreak highlights the importance of vigilance and global cooperation in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Do you think there are steps other countries could take to better protect vulnerable populations like Samoa?
**Dr. Ekeroma:** Absolutely. This situation underscores the need for continued investment in global vaccination programs and stronger public health infrastructure. Early detection and rapid response are essential in containing outbreaks before they spread internationally.
Dr.Ekeroma, thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. Do you have any final words for our readers?
**Dr. Ekeroma:** I encourage everyone planning to travel to Samoa to take the necessary precautions. Check your vaccination status, and if needed, get vaccinated.Let’s work together to protect vulnerable communities and ensure a healthy and safe holiday season for all.
## Archyde News interview
**Archyde News:** We’re joined today by Dr. Alec Ekeroma, Samoa’s Director General of Health, to discuss the recent whooping cough outbreak impacting the islands. Welcome, Dr. Ekeroma.
**Dr. Ekeroma:** Thank you for having me.
**Archyde News:** The outbreak is certainly concerning, especially with the holidays approaching. Could you tell us more about the current situation and the number of cases?
**Dr. Ekeroma:** As of september, we have confirmed 14 cases of whooping cough and are investigating an additional 95 suspected cases, bringing the total number of suspected and confirmed cases to over 100.This is a serious concern,especially as over half of those affected have required hospitalization. A worrying 45 percent of cases involve infants under one year old, making this outbreak notably perilous.
**Archyde News:** That is alarming. Can you shed light on the possible origin of this outbreak and what measures are being taken to control its spread?
**Dr. Ekeroma:** While we maintain high vaccination rates for infants in Samoa – 100 percent by six weeks, 95 percent by 10 weeks, and 86 percent by 14 weeks – we believe this outbreak likely originated from New Zealand.
We are working diligently to contain the spread.This involves active surveillance and contact tracing to identify and isolate cases, and also providing treatment to those infected. We are also reinforcing public health education campaigns urging people to practice good hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick.
**Archyde News:** You mentioned the importance of vaccination. Given that Samoa has high infant vaccination rates, what role do vaccines play in protecting the population, particularly travellers?
**Dr. Ekeroma:** Vaccination is our best defense against whooping cough. We strongly urge travellers planning to visit Samoa to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated before coming to samoa, especially the elderly.
Unfortunately, adult vaccines are not currently available in Samoa, though we are actively working to procure them at a considerable cost.
**Archyde News:** What message would you like to send to the people of Samoa and to travellers planning to visit during the holidays?
**Dr. Ekeroma:** My message is simple: we must remain vigilant. Practice good hygiene, stay home when unwell, and get vaccinated. For travellers, please ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date before arriving in Samoa. By working together, we can mitigate the impact of this outbreak and protect our vulnerable populations.
**archyde News:** Thank you,Dr. Ekeroma, for taking the time to speak with us and for your insights on this vital issue. We wish you and the people of Samoa all the best in containing this outbreak.
