A Solomon Islands coach has been quarantined at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole National Hospital after tests confirmed he had malaria.

This was confirmed by the Director General of the Ministry of Health (M.O.H.), Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, who told the Samoa Observer that he was admitted during the weekend and quarantined. 

“He was brought into the hospital over the weekend and we immediately acted, treated and quarantined him at the same time sprayed the Games Village,” he said.

The Director General has also urged members of the public not to panic, as it is under control and is just one case at the moment. 

“We have a confirmed via rapid test that a man had the fever chills and he comes from Solomon’s where malaria is an endemic, and it’s being treated. 

“There are four types of malaria and it lies dormant for as long as a year in the liver until it reacts and most likely that is what occurred here with this coach. 

“We screened the matter and immediately ruled out malaria as he comes. And I want to emphasise there is no Malaria in Samoa, we don’t have the virus that carries the malaria parasite," he said.

Leausa said the M.O.H. took extra precautionary measures to ensure this does not spread, hence the spraying of the camp. 

The case was referred to the national hospital by the medical clinics which the Ministry established in the Games Village. 

“We have the clinic open 24 hours for the athletes and officials. Any minor health issue pertaining to the delegates we are on standby to assist. 

“And also we anticipate these issues given the athletes are from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. And I want make it clear that we have this under control.

“Also with our Police Officers sent overseas on Missions including these Pacific Islands and Sudan, we make sure they have to be clear of Malaria," added the Director General.

Leausa said for athletes travelling to Samoa, they are encouraged to provide health clearance to ensure these matters are addressed. 

According to the World Health Organization, a mosquito becomes infected by feeding on a person who has malaria. If this mosquito bites you in the future, it can transmit malaria parasites. 

The World Malaria report says that Solomon Islands has experienced a 73 percent decrease in reported malaria cases between 2004 and 2015, from 90,240 cases to 23,998 cases.