New Zealanders in Samoa are advised to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (file image) Photo: 123RF
New Zealanders heading to Samoa are being advised to get comprehensive medical and travel insurance in case they catch dengue fever.
The Samoan Ministry of Health declared a dengue outbreak on 19 April after more than 80 cases were reported in the first two weeks of April.
While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not issuing a specific travel advisory for Samoa, it updated its Safe Travel website on 22 April to advise New Zealanders, who are travelling or living in Samoa, to have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place which include provision for medical evacuation by air.
There have since been 250 total cases of dengue fever reported from laboratory testing since November last year.
Dengue is a viral illness spread by infected mosquitoes. It may be unnoticed, a mild illness or significant illness with fever, pain behind the eyes, bone, joint and muscle pain, and sometimes rash, vomiting and diarrhoea.
New Zealanders in Samoa are advised to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.