Samoa Football assure safety measures amid dengue outbreak ahead of OFC U16 event
Photo:
Kirk Corrie / Phototek.nz
Samoa's football federation (SFA) says they have taken measures to ensure players and officials participating in the upcoming Oceania Football Conferderation (OFC) 2025 Under-16 Women's Championship is not affected by the recent dengue fever outbreak in the the country.
A statement from SFA said officials have worked with hotels that will house teams to assess their preparedness for safeguarding guests.
"In light of the recent dengue fever outbreak in Samoa, we proactively visited each hotel where our team will be staying over the weekend to assess their preparedness for safeguarding guests against this health concern," it stated on Monday.
"We were pleased to discover that the hotels have implemented several comprehensive measures.
"They have already conducted thorough spraying to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds, each room is equipped with repellent, ensuring guests have easy access to protection while they relax.
"Hand sanitisers will be readily available throughout the premises, promoting good hygiene practices and the hotels are committed to maintaining a clean and safe environment, offering peace of mind to everyone staying with them.
"These proactive steps reflect a strong commitment to guest safety and well-being during our visit."
The OFC Under-16 tournament kicks off in Apia on Friday, with nine teams competing. They include Fiji, American Samoa, Samoa, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Solomon Islands and Tonga.
The OFC is expected to update teams on Wednesday about the risks and status.
Local media
Taumua Online
reported on Tuesday that schools have closed this week as close to 16,000 dengue fever cases have been recorded so far.
The online website said a fumigation operation resumed this week covering all Samoa schools along with other high-risk areas as part of a nationwide dengue response.
This is in addition to a national clean-up campaign last Saturday, mobilising villages and communities to clean their surroundings and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds as part of the nationwide dengue response.
Deputy Director of the Pediatric Ward at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) hospital Ulugia Dr Tito Kamu confirmed cases continue to rise and the most vulnerable age group is from 1 to 15 years old, the outlet reported.
He said that the hospital is managing and they have to pull-in public health doctors and call-in senior doctors on call to assist.
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