The number of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases being reported to health authorities in Samoa still remain high, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health.

The M.O.H. released its Syndromic Surveillance & COVID-19 Update report dated 19 June 2023 on Monday which covered the week from 12 June to 18 June 2023.

ILI cases continue to be in double digits with the Ministry reporting 1,334 cases recorded between 5 June and 11 June 2023 which dropped to 1,003 for the week 12 June to 18 June 2023. The report said for the first week the ILI cases had a moving average of 1,214 and 1,266 in the second week. 

However, for the threshold alert, the Ministry said it has been "exceeding double the average in the previous 2 weeks" with 2,428 recorded for the 5 June to 11 June 2023 period and 2,532 for 12 June to 18 June 2023. 

With the ILI continuing to be recorded in double digits, the Ministry said it recommends the general public continue the practice of preventative measures, such as wearing masks especially when coughing and runny nose, hand hygiene and avoiding 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 M.O.H. said in its report.

The Ministry's report also provided an update on severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), which is an acute respiratory infection with a history of fever or measured fever of 38 C° and cough, which can be diagnosed within 10 days after contact and requires hospitalisation.

The total number of SAR cases recorded between 5 June 2023 and 11 June 2023 was 32, which dropped to 21 in the week of 12 June to 18 June 2023. The moving average for the infection in the first week of monitoring was 23 and increased to 29 in the second week. The M.O.H. said SARI cases continue to be investigated but they've been unable to identify any links. 

Coronavirus infection is also on the radar of the health authorities with the report advising of the identification of 7 (seven) new cases over the last seven days (for both PCR and rapid antigen tests). There has been a total of 31 COVID-19-related deaths recorded in Samoa since the first community infection was recorded in the country on 17 March 2022.