A month after the American Samoa tsunami: Dengue fever cases double

November 10, 9:23 AMInfectious Disease ExaminerRobert Herriman

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The immediate devastation of the tsunami. Part of the aftermath: an increase in dengue fever

API Photo/FBI

A physician from the island’s only hospital, LBJ Tropical Medical Center, reports that in the month of October there were 62 confirmed cases of dengue fever and 2 deaths from the mosquito borne infection.

This compares to only 27 confirmed cases of dengue reported in September.

The tsunami struck the U.S. territory on September 29, 2009.

The dramatic increases in the disease are attributed to more outdoor living by the residents and an increase in mosquito breeding spots in the debris left after the tsunami.

Dengue fever is an infectious disease carried by mosquitoes and caused by any of four related dengue viruses. This disease used to be called “break-bone fever” because it sometimes causes severe joint and muscle pain that feels like bones are breaking.