by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
Samoa’s Ministry of Health has announced an outbreak of whooping cough, with six confirmed cases as of Thursday.
According to the Samoa Health Ordinance of 1959 and the Samoa National Communicable Disease Surveillance and Control Guidelines of 2020, the confirmation of even a single case may lead to an outbreak declaration due to the disease’s contagious nature and potential impact on public health.
“This declaration comes after a notable rise in cases reported at the Moto’otua main hospital,” stated the Ministry. “The confirmed cases range in age from 3 weeks to 40 years, with most being under one year old.
“We are also awaiting confirmation on additional suspected cases sent overseas.”
The Ministry confirmed that the first identified case this week was a seven-week-old baby who has since recovered from whooping cough, also known as pertussis.
Whooping cough, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, is primarily treated with antibiotics, which are most effective when administered early in the illness. Treatment helps reduce the severity of symptoms and limits the spread of the infection to others. In addition to antibiotic therapy, supportive care, such as hydration and cough management, is essential for recovery.
Prevention of whooping cough is largely achieved through vaccination; the DTaP vaccine is recommended for young children, while adolescents and adults should receive a Tdap booster to maintain immunity. Public health initiatives also emphasize the importance of vaccination during pregnancy to protect newborns, who are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from the disease. Regular vaccination and timely treatment are crucial in controlling outbreaks and safeguarding community health.
