American Samoa
Risk / Health Info for American Samoa
Canadian Travel Clinics can help you work out what vaccinations you need to go to American Samoa.
It is highly recommended that you purchase travel health insurance before departing Canada because provincial or territorial health plans may not cover medical costs while abroad. Contact your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.
Medical facilities are limited and medical evacuation may be necessary in cases of serious injury or illness.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites because of the risk of mosquito-borne viruses, so cover yourself up and use a reliable insect repellent.
- Dengue fever in American Samoa
- There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in American 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 American Samoa
- Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in American 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 American 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.
- Chikungunya virus in American Samoa
- Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in American 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.
Recommended Vaccines for American Samoa
Vaccine Name | Course |
---|---|
Hepatitis A | 2 Doses |
Hepatitis A and B combined (adult) | 3 Doses |
Hepatitis A and B combined (paediatric) | 2 Doses |
Hepatitis A and typhoid (combined) | 1 Dose |
Hepatitis A (paediatric) | 1 Dose |
Hepatitis B | 3 Doses |
Hepatitis B (paediatric) | 3 Doses |
Typhoid | 1 Dose |
Typhoid (oral) | 1 Dose |