As Samoa battles dengue fever, here's what you need to know about the mosquito-borne virus
Since the outbreak was declared on April 17, Samoa's Ministry of Health says more than 5,600 clinically diagnosed cases have been recorded.
Tragically, to date, there have been four confirmed and one probable dengue-related death, highlighting the urgent fight still ahead.
This effort comes as the Pacific faces a severe surge in cases, with deaths now reported in Fiji, Tonga, and Nauru. Affected countries also include American Samoa, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Kiribati and Tuvalu.
So what is dengue fever? And why is this outbreak hitting the Pacific so hard?
Samoa has rolled out a large-scale fumigation program in schools. ( Image: Ministry of Health Samoa )
What is causing the current dengue outbreak?
Dengue fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes.
It is transmitted by the infected female Aedes mosquito and causes fever and joint pain. Some patients can suffer internal bleeding, which can cause death.
It has long plagued tropical nations, but health experts warn the 2025 outbreak is one of the worst in almost a decade.
This is largely because of:
In Fiji, the WHO's July data shows the spread of the disease has been highest. ( Source: Fiji's Ministry of Health & Medical Services )
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms to watch for include fever, extreme fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, intense muscle and joint pains, and a distinct measles-like rash.
Dengue cases in the Pacific are at their highest since 2016, with nearly 19,000 people affected as of last month's figures, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says.
Aedes aegypti is the primary spreader of dengue. Dengue is the most common mosquito-borne disease worldwide. ( Supplied: Stephen Doggett, NSW Health Pathology )
Globally, the WHO recorded more than 13 million dengue cases and 9,990 deaths in 2024.
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the primary spreaders of dengue, although another species — Aedes albopictus (commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito) — can also carry the virus.
How can it be stopped?
Prevention measures include:
Eliminating stagnant/ standing water sources — like tyres, open buckets, water-holding containers, etc
Eliminating stagnant/ standing water sources — like tyres, open buckets, water-holding containers, etc Use mosquito nets and repellent
Use mosquito nets and repellent Wearing long-sleeved clothing
Wearing long-sleeved clothing Keep the surrounding areas clean
Keep the surrounding areas clean Community spray
In recent weeks, Samoa has been particularly affected.
Just in the past seven days, more than 1,400 new clinically diagnosed cases have been reported across Upolu and Savai'i.
There, families and villages have been urged to actively eliminate mosquito breeding sites by improving waste disposal, removing stagnant water, and clearing overgrown vegetation to reduce mosquito populations.
Adapting scientific solutions to the Pacific
A mosquito release program in Far North Queensland using Wolbachia bacteria helped reduce dengue transmission by making mosquitoes more resistant to the virus and less likely to infect humans.
Mosquitoes bred in jars as part of the World Mosquito Program's dengue fever eradication program. ( Supplied: World Mosquito Program )
Dr Tessa Knox, co-lead of the Pacific Mosquito Strengthening for Impact (PacMOSSI) consortium. ( Supplied. )
Although the method proved highly effective in Australia, applying similar scientific interventions in the Pacific presents unique challenges, Tessa Knox from PacMOSSI explains.
"Not all mosquito control interventions are suitable for every setting. The Pacific Islands face numerous challenges: a diversity of mosquito species, remote and dispersed populations, limited human resources, fragile health systems, and competing health priorities.
"These factors create significant logistical, technical, and resource barriers. Locally tailored solutions are therefore essential.
"Across the Pacific, there is great diversity in the species that can transmit dengue. It is important to know which species are found in which habitats and understand when and where they bite people and transmit dengue."
Fighting dengue with better mosquito control and insecticide use
PacMOSSI is working to support Pacific Island Ministries of Health to improve this knowledge to tailor control strategies against local dengue mosquitoes. The consortium connects 21 Pacific Island countries with seven international institutions to combat mosquito-borne diseases.
"Community-led approaches like removing rubbish in yards and public areas to reduce mosquito water habitats are essential. Knowing which species can be killed with which insecticides helps to select the best option for spray teams to use when responding to a dengue outbreak," Dr Knox told ABC Pacific.
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