The Department of Health on Friday issued an alert regarding an outbreak of whooping cough, or pertusiss, in Samoa.
Samoa’s Ministry of Health declared the outbreak after six confirmed cases of whooping cough, which is spread by bacteria from person to person.
The DOH advised travelers to Samoa to look out for the following symptoms.
In the early stages of whooping cough the symptoms are a runny nose, mild cough and low fever.
In the severe stage of the illness, 1-6 weeks or longer, the symptoms include severe coughing fits that may end with a whooping sound when breathing in, vomiting, or extreme tiredness after coughing and trouble catching breath.
Prevention measures advised by DOH include wearing a mask if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, or come into contact with anyone displaying the mentioned symptoms of whooping cough, practice good hygiene, avoid travel to high endemic regions and be vaccinated for whooping cough.
DOH is screening passengers arriving into American Samoa who present with symptoms of whooping cough.
