Health authorities in Samoa continue to record a large number of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) with the latest data pointing to a doubling of the average number in the last fortnight.

The data on the ILI released by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in its latest Syndromic Surveillance and Covid-19 Update on Monday covered the week of 20-26 March 2023.

At the top of its surveillance update was data collected from its monitoring of the ILI with authorities recording a total of 1,272 cases between 20-26 March 2023. This was an increase of 64 cases from the last monitoring period of 13-19 March 2023.

The Ministry stated in its report that it had to put out an alert as the data is "exceeding double the average in the previous two weeks".

In its analysis of the cases, the M.O.H. nonetheless said the ILI cases reported are well below the threshold.

However, even though the threshold has not been exceeded, the Ministry said it still highly recommends the general public continue the practice of preventative measures such as wearing masks, hand hygiene, and avoiding large gatherings.

"If you are feeling ill with flu-like symptoms, please stay home and take medications as prescribed by the clinician," the report stated.

Severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) was second on the list but with only 7 cases recorded in the last monitoring period of 20-26 March 2023.

According to the Ministry's report, SARI cases reported have been investigated, and they've found no known links.

"Therefore, it does not meet the definition exceeding the threshold. The SARI cases reported last week are people diagnosed with unresolved or severe pneumonia."

Health authorities have also reported over 100 cases of diarrhea in the last monitoring period of 20-26 March 2023 with the M.O.H. expressing concern that the data was "more than twice the average of the last two weeks' count".

The Ministry said despite the numbers, they urge the public to continue the practice of preventative measures as Samoa is still in the rainy/wet season.

"Please ensure access to safe drinking water, use of improved sanitation, hand washing with soap, and ensure good personal hygiene. In addition for prevention, all children at 6 months should have rotavirus vaccination."

• Correction: the original article reported that the Ministry's surveillance data was for the 13-19 April 2023 and 20-26 April 2023 periods which is incorrect. The correct dates are 13-19 April 2023 and 20-26 April 2023. The error is regretted.