Public servants conducted a major clean-up operation to combat the outbreak of dengue fever on Friday afternoon.

Government workers traded in their formal clothing for something much more casual as they left offices after mid-day to clear plants and areas that are potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. 

Many cut down overgrown grass and collected rubbish around the work areas.

One of the companies that was approached by the Ministry of Health to assist in the clean-up efforts is AJ Pest Control, a company specialising in mosquito control.

 Fiu Leato, the co-founder of the company, emphasised the importance of the government's actions, citing the high number of mosquito hideouts near the Apia vicinity. Despite appearances, many residents have reported a significant increase in mosquito activity in the area.

"We are grateful that the Government has recognised our services and the importance to diminish the growth of mosquitos," he said.

"We will also be conducting fumigations for schools next week as per requests from Ministry of Health." 

In addition to the clean-up operation, AJ Pest Control will also assist the Ministry of Health in fumigating schools and hospitals. Interior fumigation will require an hour before people are allowed to re-enter the sprayed area, to ensure that the space is safe for human occupation.

"We urge the public to stay away from areas that have already been sprayed for their own safety," he remarked.

Leato explained that five employees from AJ Pest Control have been trained to handle the chemicals used to kill mosquitoes. Strict protocols have been put in place to ensure the safety of the public, including evacuating outdoor areas that have been sprayed for at least 20 minutes due to the potential respiratory hazards posed by the chemicals.

The government's efforts to combat the mosquito population and prevent the spread of dengue fever have been met with praise from the public. As the clean-up operation continues, residents are hopeful that the outbreak can be contained and the spread of the disease can be minimised.

"I am happy that this has been conducted by the Government workers, it lightens the load on the contractors as well," said Maria Apelu who sells fish at the fish market. This was one of the locations that was fumigated.

Due to the concerning rise in cases recorded at the hospitals, Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma, the Director General of Health, declared an outbreak of dengue fever last Friday. 

According to Ministry of Health data, during the first two weeks of April, 82 new lab-confirmed dengue cases were reported; since November 2023, there have been 216 dengue cases overall.