Samoa's Ministry of Health says there is an outbreak of dengue fever type two in the country and people need to be vigilant.
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The ministry's chief executive, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, said the public shouldn't panic but must take immediate action to eliminate mosquito-breeding places.
He said while numbers affected with dengue are not high the public needs to be aware, especially now that type two has been detected.
The Samoa Observer reported Leausa saying dengue had four types and if a certain type returns after a long break there can be severe cases.
He said it could lead to high fever, headache, severe pain, particularly in the joints, while complications such as bleeding can lead to death.
Leausa said reducing the possible breeding sites for the mosquitoes carrying dengue is the best defence.