A meningococcal alert has been issued by the Samoan government.
Photo: Andrey Popov 123RF
Talamua Online reported Health Minister Tuitama Dr Talalelei Tuitama said doctors had been instructed to take notice of children with fever because it is the first symptom of the potentially deadly disease which could be mistaken as flu.
Tuitama said three children had been treated for meningococcal so far.
The symptoms include sudden high fever and severe persistent headaches and can lead to death within three to four days if untreated.
The minister said that everyone at the National Health Services had been alerted and instructed to be wary of children who present with a high fever.
He said if any one experienced symptoms they should not hesitate to see the doctor for tests.