Risk / Health Info for Samoa

There are some inoculations to get before going to Samoa and your healthcare adviser can guide you. Medical services and hospitals are limited and medical evacuation may be required in serious cases. There is no hyperbaric chamber in Samoa. Tuberculosis is endemic in Samoa and filariasis (a parasitic infection) is present.

Travellers are advised to protect themselves against bug bites, including sandflies and mosquitoes. There is currently an outbreak of chikungunya virus in Samoa and Zika is also present. Women who may be pregnant or might be considering getting pregnant should avoid travelling to Samoa.

Practise safe food and water precautions to avoid “travellers’ diarrhea” and other gastrointestinal illnesses in Samoa. These include:

• drink commercially bottled water
• avoid using ice cubes
• avoid eating food that you can’t peel, cook or boil.

If you travel outside Canada you need travel insurance to make sure you are covered for any medical costs, no matter where you’re going or how long you’ll be there. Before you leave the country, check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Chikungunya virus in Samoa

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Samoa. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.

Dengue fever in Samoa

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Samoa. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Zika in Samoa

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Samoa. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Samoa. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.