The World Health Organisation will be asked to provide rapid tests for Mpox ahead of the October meeting, given the only way to confirm a person has the virus is through laboratory tests in Australia. 

Samoa is preparing to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) next month where more than 3000 delegates from overseas are expected to attend. 

Some of the participants are from countries that have reported cases of Mpox and will be required to get vaccinated for Mpox as preventative measures upon arrival in Samoa. 

In a press conference with the CHOGM sub-committees on Tuesday, Director General of Health, Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma said there are no Mpox vaccines available for Samoa noting there aren’t enough for Africa where it is rapidly spreading. 

He said they are trying to stop the virus from entering Samoa and representatives from high-risk countries in CHOGM have been advised to get vaccinated. 

The participants are to fill in a form upon arrival to confirm the countries they have been to make it easier for health screening and question them if they have any symptoms of the virus. 

“We don’t have rapid tests at the moment and will ask World Health if they can assist us with tests,” Aiono replied when asked about rapid tests for Mpox during CHOGM. 

“For testing, you need to swab the infection and this is taken to a laboratory the closest one that can do this is in Melbourne. We will wait for WHO if we can have those tests in Melbourne to assist but we don’t have any rapid tests.” 

Asked if a person who has been vaccinated can be a carrier of Mpox, Aiono said there is no evidence that a vaccinated person can be a carrier. 

However, he added it was possible but they will have to reconfirm with the WHO. 

The Director General hopes the Mpox doesn’t enter Samoa, but if it does, it’s a virus that can affect people even with good immune systems. 

If it does enter Samoa he said it is spread through skin lesions and the person with symptoms would need to be isolated and can be treated with Panadol and Augmentin or antibiotics for the infection.  

Meanwhile, a less severe form of Mpox has been found in New Zealand.