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Dengue fever cases on rise in American Samoa

HONOLULU — The number of reported cases of dengue fever in American Samoa are on the rise.

Officials at LBJ Medical Center in Pago Pago said this week that 467 cases were discovered last year. That compares to 436 in 2009 and 667 in 2008.

Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Aloiamoa Anesi says there have been no deaths attributed to the disease in recent years.

Anesi says American Samoa residents are well-educated on how to spot dengue and often treat themselves at home.

He stressed the "3-Ds" of avoiding the illness — drain standing water where mosquitoes breed; dress properly; and use products with the repellant DEET to keep mosquitoes at bay.

 

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