New Zealand is preparing to deliver assistance to Samoa in response to a dengue fever outbreak that is placing pressure on the Samoan healthcare system.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has confirmed that it will coordinate support after receiving a formal request from Samoan authorities.
An MFAT spokesperson told NZ Herald that officials are working directly with counterparts in Samoa to determine the most effective ways to provide aid.
The ministry is also monitoring the wider Pacific region for similar developments and has indicated a willingness to consider further requests for assistance if the situation escalates.
Several Pacific nations – including Tonga, the Cook Islands, and Fiji – have also reported dengue outbreaks in recent months.
Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, leading to symptoms such as high fever, joint and muscle pain, pain behind the eyes, and rash.
Samoa’s Ministry of Health has reported four confirmed deaths linked to dengue, with a fifth death – of a two-year-old boy – under review as a probable dengue-related fatality.
The boy’s death followed that of his nine-year-old brother, who died from the disease the previous week.
Other recent fatalities include a five-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy, who died in April after contracting the virus.
Since January, Samoa has documented 5,670 clinically diagnosed dengue cases, with more than 2,600 confirmed through laboratory testing.
Last week, 1,446 new clinical cases and 342 new laboratory-confirmed cases were reported across Samoa’s two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i.
To manage the surge in patients, the main hospital near Apia has revised its outpatient services.
From 6pm until morning, only individuals presenting with dengue-like symptoms are being seen.
Those experiencing mild symptoms are advised to remain at home and manage their illness with hydration and paracetamol.
MFAT has stated that it has not received requests for consular assistance from New Zealanders in Samoa.
However, the ministry is advising travellers, especially those with children, to take preventive measures against mosquito bites.
Recommendations include the use of insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and sleeping under mosquito nets.
These precautions are particularly important for children, older adults, and pregnant women.
With increased travel to Samoa expected ahead of the country’s general elections, MFAT is encouraging travellers to register their details on the SafeTravel website and to consider comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
“Travellers to Samoa should always take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” MFAT authorities said, as reported by NZ Herald. “We encourage all travellers to follow the dengue fever prevention advice on our SafeTravel website and further information.”
Recent research from Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) showed that more New Zealanders are purchasing travel insurance.
The Future of Travel report found that 73% of respondents are more likely to buy travel insurance due to global uncertainties, and 78% now see it as a high priority.
The survey, conducted in November 2024 with 1,002 participants, examined how external risks are influencing travel decisions and insurance uptake.
