MOH: influenza-like illness cases have exceeded double the average, but below threshold

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There continues to be an increasing number of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases reported to health authorities. 

This is according to the latest data the Ministry of Health released in its Syndromic Surveillance & COVID-19 Update report. 

The report outlines that influenza-like illness recorded 1,334 cases between 5 June and 11 June 2023. However, there was a drop in the following week to 1,003. Also, the cases have exceeded double the average in the previous two weeks, and despite this, the Ministry says the cases reported are well below the threshold.

The Ministry of Health still highly recommends the general public to continue the practice of preventative measures such as – wearing masks especially when coughing and runny nose, hand hygiene and avoiding large gatherings without masks.

If you are feeling ill with flu-like symptoms, please see a nurse or doctor, stay home and take medications as prescribed.

Regarding severe acute respiratory infection, the Ministry recorded between 5 June 2023 and 11 June 2023 was 32, which dropped to 21 in the week of 12 June to 18 June 2023. 

The SARI cases reported have been investigated, and no known links were identified. Therefore, it does not meet the definition exceeding the threshold. The public is strongly advised to continue to practice preventative measures.

According to the Health report, seven new coronavirus infections have occurred over the last seven days. Furthermore, there has been a total of 31 COVID-19-related deaths recorded in Samoa since the first community infection was recorded in the country last March.