As Samoa prepares to host thousands of delegates for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (C.H.O.G.M.), health authorities have assured that the risk of mpox entering the country through these visitors was very low. 

Eight of the 56 countries visiting have active cases of mpox.

This reassurance came from the Acting Director General of Health Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen in response to inquiries from the Samoa Observer.

Tagaloa made the comments during a press conference on Friday afternoon where he confirmed that a thorough risk assessment, conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (W.H.O.), found minimal risk associated with the influx of delegates. 

“This conclusion was based on the number of confirmed delegations attending the meeting, indicating a minimal chance of mpox being brought to our shores,” he said.

While there are ongoing concerns about potential exposure from travellers coming from Australia and New Zealand, Tagaloa emphasised that the Ministry of Health was actively monitoring the situation. 

“We are closely watching for any developments, but we are not particularly worried about the delegations attending the C.H.O.G.M.,” he said.

Last month, the Director General of Health, Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma, highlighted plans to request rapid testing kits for mpox from the W.H.O. 

Given that laboratory testing in Australia is currently the only reliable method for confirming the virus, Aiono acknowledged that Samoa does not have sufficient mpox vaccines, particularly as demand has surged in regions where the virus is spreading rapidly, such as Africa. 

Delegates from high-risk countries have been advised to get vaccinated before their arrival.

To further ensure public safety, participants will be required to complete a health declaration form upon entry, detailing their recent travel history and any symptoms related to mpox. This proactive approach is intended to facilitate health screening and prompt any necessary follow-up actions.

Aiono clarified the limitations in testing capabilities, stating, “We don’t have rapid tests at the moment and are seeking assistance from the W.H.O. for this.” He explained that if testing is needed, samples would have to be sent to the nearest laboratory capable of analysis, located in Melbourne.

While concerns about vaccinated individuals potentially being carriers of mpox were raised, Aiono noted that there is currently no evidence to suggest this is the case. However, he mentioned the need for further clarification from the W.H.O. on this issue.

The Director General expressed hope that mpox would not make its way to Samoa, but he acknowledged that if it were to enter, the virus could still impact individuals with robust immune systems. Should cases arise, he outlined that isolation and treatment with medications like Panadol and antibiotics would be required.

Unlike COVID, mpox is transmitted through physical contact including sex.