Samoa's Anti Zika Campaign

Travellers are being advised that the Government of Samoa is actively working with key agencies and citizens to take precautionary measures, following global warnings and advice from the World Health Organisation.

Travellers are being advised that the Government of Samoa is actively working with key agencies and citizens to take precautionary measures, following global warnings and advice from the World Health Organisation.

Samoa’s Ministry of Health is continuing with educational campaigns through national media, surveillance and control programs and source reduction and screening activities at a governmental and local level. 

Zika infection is a mild febrile mosquito viral illness, transmitted by the bite of the Aeces mosquito species. It is closely related to the dengue virus. 

As part of anti-ZIKA campaign, the Samoan Government has set up seven Active Syndromic Sentinel Surveillance sites around the country, maintains an Ongoing Notification list and Awareness programs, regularly conducts fogging to control adult mosquito numbers and source reduction practices by destroying breeding sites through constant cleaning at a grass roots level.

All travellers, especially those who are pregnant, are encouraged to educate themselves on ZIKA and to ensure that symptoms are recognised and addressed immediately.  Travellers are also advised to be mindful as they normally would when travelling and ensure that precautions are taken such as taking mosquito repellant, wearing long sleeved shirts and trousers and pay attention to public service announcements.

The Samoan Government is working closely with the community to ensure that health and hygiene standards are maintained to protect residents and visitors and resorts, tour operators and food providers have set up the necessary measures to ensure that their guests and clients are safe.

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For more information, contact:

Dr. Saine Vaai - Public Health Physician, Ministry of Health

Email - SaineV@health.gov.ws   or

Hesed Ieremia - PR &Communications Officer, Samoa Tourism Authority

Email - hesed@samoa.travel