To the Editor: Leptospirosis is common in the Pacifi c Islands (66.4 cases/100,000 population/ year compared with 5 cases/100,000 population/year globally) (1) and is often misdiagnosed as dengue because of overlapping clinical features, poor awareness, and inadequate diagnostic facilities (2,3). Clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic to severe disease with pulmonary hemorrhage and ren...

Early in 1951 a survey of eating habits was made in Western Samoa by the South Pacific Health Service. The purpose of the study was to observe the factors that influence the nutrition of the young Samoan child. In spite of a rapidly increasing population, the existing indigenous food supplies provide for the adequate nutrition of the people living in most areas. There are a few small islands wh...

Acute rheumatic fever is a nonsuppurative, immune-mediated consequence of group A streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat). Recurrent or severe acute rheumatic fever can cause permanent cardiac valve damage and rheumatic heart disease, which increases the risk for cardiac conditions (e.g., infective endocarditis, stroke, and congestive heart failure). Antibiotics can prevent acute rheumatic fev...

While German Samoa has appeared to some historians as a colony that demonstrates the benevolence of liberal colonial government, this article argues Germany’s administration should not be seen benign form rule avoided violence because anthropological acumen its culturally adept governors. Rather, it remained site in which dissent was expressed both word and deed. resistance Samoa’s political el...

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is a leading cause of death in Samoa. Cultural beliefs shape attitudes towards disease and prevention Pacific countries, are barrier to engaging cancer screening services. METHODS: A survey 205 Samoan adults conducted as part the evaluation first awareness campaign implemented Samoa explored about causation. RESULTS: Lifestyle factors associated with departure from fa'aSamo...

BACKGROUND The island country of Samoa (population 188,000 in 2011) forms part of Polynesia in the South Pacific. Over the past several decades Samoa has experienced exceptional modernization and globalization of many sectors of society, with noncommunicable diseases (NCD) now the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The evolution of risk factor prevalence underpinning the increase in NCDs...

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Samoa by piloting a retinal photography screening programme. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study of patients with diabetes who presented to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole eye clinic in Apia, Samoa, between May 2011 and September 2011. Study approval was granted by the National Health Service ...