Swine Flu American Samoa

Gov. Togiola Tulafono has called on the people of American Samoa “not to panic” over the ‘swine flu’ outbreak that started in Mexico and has since spread north of the border to the United States, with cases reported in California, Texas and New York.

The governor’s comments yesterday afternoon followed an “emergency meeting” in the morning with local officials on strategies and precautionary measures regarding the Swine Flu Virus.

“I wish to remind you of the 1918 Spanish Influenza pandemic. American Samoa was thoroughly protected because we were quarantined. No one died; our isolation worked in our favor, and we were one of the few places which were not affected by the influenza pandemic that killed 20 million people worldwide, and sadly, about 7500 people died in [Western] Samoa,” he told the meeting. “Now, again, let’s take a proactive role and be in the front end of the situation rather than be reactive. It’s going to be tough to inconvenience our people, but we want to protect our people.”

Following the meeting the governor issued an official statement saying as a precaution, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared a public health emergency across the nation, and that includes American Samoa.

“I ask all residents of American Samoa not to panic,” he said.  We are making every effort to stay ahead of the situation. And we must take this situation as a serious threat to the Territory. I have called on the appropriate departments of our government for input and assistance.”

During the emergency meeting, Togiola said he asked the department heads and officials “to continue to meet and prepare, and examine our response and strategies; to be alert, and to tell us how to protect ourselves.”