Pio, (Is your favourite phrase quote :"To be or not to be?")

I thank Tupuimatagi for his frank remarks about what's causing the spread of dengue in and around Apia. And the need to be vigilante in getting rid of potential breeding places for mosquiotes. I am reminded of the dengue outbreak in the mid 1970's in Samoa when a massive mosquito killing campaign was carried out. The spray smelled awful I seem to remember that there were several dengue fatalities. We dont want a repeat of that dreadful dengue outbreak do we? Tupuimatagi's advice therefore in getting rid of potential breeding places for mosquitoes, must be followed. The good doctor gives us food for thought with his statement that our changing lifestyle is contributing to the spread of dengue.

I just want to offer some information which was gathered in the course of news gathering on this side of Samoa. A member of the Samoa delegation to the Arts Festival had not fully overcome dengue fever when he arrived here. His condition worsened and he was admitted to the LBJ Hospital for a few days. Fortunately he did recover and was well when the group returned home. He was one of two people from the group who were admitted to the LBJ. The Epedimiology division of the Health Departmetn here says a performer from PNG was also treated at the local hospital for dengue fever.

Anyone who has had dengue will tell you that it's not a pleasant experience. A family member describes it this way: It's like you are dead but not dead enough that you can still feel the pain. The advisory that's circulating in health circles in the region with the latest outbreak says Samoa has four confirmed cases of hemorraghic dengue fever...the kind that can kill. Lets kill dengue before it kills us.

Dengue fever is nothing new in Samoa. This disease comes and goes as long as we have the breeding places for the Aedes egypti mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are attracted to stagnant water found in places mentioned above. I think preventive medicine is the key to combating dengue fever. Let's promote cleanliness in Apia as the first step for prventing dengue fever in Samoa.