20 Sep 2014

Chikungunya still spreading in Samoa

3:33 pm on 20 September 2014

Latest figures from Samoa's Ministry of Health show an increase of suspected and confirmed cases of chikungunya from 400 to 626 since the outbreak of the acute fever, rash and joint pain disease was reported in July.

However the ministry says so far presentation of the main signs and symptoms of those affected have largely been mild.

The highest number of people affected is recorded in the districts of Vaimauga west in the urban area with 151 cases, Faleata east 139 cases and 113 in Faleata west.

The majority of patients is young.

In American Samoa, the chikungunya outbreak is on the wane.

Health officials say there are now 823 probable cases of the mosquito-borne illness, with 15 people requiring hospital care.

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Photo: AFP