Dengue precaution; Schools close for another week

By Marieta Heidi Ilalio 17 July 2025, 5:10PM

The second death of a child due to dengue fever has led the Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Education and Culture, Aeau Chris Hazelman, to extend the school break.

All Early Childhood Education programs and Primary School classes for Years 1 to 7 will be suspended from Monday, July 21, to Friday, July 25, in the following districts: Vaimauga 1, Vaimauga 2, Faleata 1, Faleata 2, Sagaga, Aana 1, and Aana 2.

Classes for Year 8 and College-level students will proceed as normal starting Monday.

The directive follows advice from the Ministry of Health as part of wider efforts to prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne disease, which has seen a resurgence in recent weeks.

“We kindly ask all principals, teachers, and especially parents to please take note of this important announcement,” said A’eau.

While teaching for the affected age groups will be paused, government teachers are required to return to duty next week. School inspectors will also monitor the situation closely to ensure compliance and student safety.

The Ministry has given discretion to leaders of mission and private schools to make independent decisions in the interest of student wellbeing.

Aeau said he had consultations with the Acting Director General for Health, Tagaloa Dr Robert Thompsen, who confirmed that the age group of children most affected are aged 10 years and below.

Aeau advised parents to work together with the MOH and MEC to prevent dengue from spreading by cleaning their surroundings. He said there must be a joint effort to clean up and this includes getting rid of still and stagnant water.

A second child has lost her life to dengue on Monday. Faith Melchoir, eight years old, was admitted five days prior. She was taken to the Intensive Care Unit, where she died.

Meanwhile, some mayors have expressed concerns and said they would ensure to do their best to prevent the spread of the disease.

Taveuveu Esera said the village will make this a priority.

Patea Aipovi said if a parent sees symptoms of dengue, they have to take the child to see the doctor immediately.

By Marieta Heidi Ilalio 17 July 2025, 5:10PM
Samoa Observer

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