PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — Medical officials in American Samoa report there were 436 confirmed cases of dengue fever in the U.S. territory in 2009. That’s down from 667 cases in 2008.

But the chief medical officer at LBJ Tropical Medical Center says last year’s count shows residents need to continue to take necessary actions to protect themselves from the potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease.
Dr. Aloiamoa Anesi says mosquito eradication through clearing potential breeding grounds remains important, as well as wearing proper clothing and using proper repellants.
Monthly dengue fever counts jumped to 62 in October and 46 in November following the Sept. 29th tsunami, which left many people living in unprotected damaged homes and tents.