Health authorities in Samoa have continued to record a high number of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases with data released on Monday pointing to over 1,200 cases.

The Ministry of Health's Syndromic Surveillance & COVID-19 Update, which covered the week from 15 May 2023 to 21 May 2023 recorded a total of 1,239 ILI cases for the recording period. The moving average for that monitoring period was 1,010 with the threshold at 2,019.

Despite the high number of cases, the MOH said in its update that the ILI cases reported were "well below the threshold". However, the Ministry said even though the threshold has not been exceeded, they still "highly recommends the general public continue the practice of preventative measures".

"The Ministry of Health still highly recommends the general public to continue the practice of preventative measures such as – wearing of masks especially when coughing and runny nose, hand hygiene and avoid large gatherings without masks.

"If you are feeling ill with flu-like symptoms, please see a nurse or doctor, stay home and take medications as prescribed."

The health authorities said the ILI is an "acute respiratory infection with a history of fever or measured fever of ≥ 38 C° and cough, with onset within the last 10 days." They also warned that the threshold is "exceeding double the average in the previous 2 weeks".

The other disease that the M.O.H. is also monitoring is Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), which health staff said is an acute respiratory infection with a history of fever or measured fever and cough. They said people diagnosed with SARI could require hospitalisation.

During the monitoring period from 15 May 2023 to 21 May 2023, a total of 21 cases were detected with a moving average of 30.5 and a threshold with 2 cases already linked to the infection. 

"The SARI cases reported have been investigated, and no known links were identified. Therefore, it does not meet the definition exceeding the threshold. Majority of the SARI cases reported are people diagnosed with unresolved or severe pneumonia," reads the M.O.H. update.

"The public is strongly advised to continue to practice preventative measures as mentioned above such as wearing of masks, hand hygiene and avoid crowded places."

The surveillance update was prepared by the Ministry's National Health Surveillance and IHR Division.