December 1, 2025 (Pago Pago, American Samoa) – In response to the rising dengue outbreak, the American Samoa Department of Health (DOH), with technical support from PIHOA and partners, has rapidly expanded Targeted Residual Spraying (TRS)operations — a highly effective intervention designed to suppress Aedes mosquitoes and disrupt ongoing transmission.
TRS creates a long-lasting protective barrier on surfaces where mosquitoes rest, providing communities with extended protection far beyond traditional fogging methods.
Highlights include:
- Long-lasting surface protection (up to 6 months)
- Targeting indoor & shaded mosquito resting sites
- Reducing mosquito lifespan and dengue transmission potential
- Minimizing unnecessary chemical use through focused spraying
- Capacity-building for DOH Environmental Health teams on safe application, monitoring & QA/QC
- Supporting DOH with dengue test kits, PPE, repellents, and response supplies
American Samoa’s unique housing structures and mosquito behaviors make TRS a critical tool in interrupting transmission and protecting high-risk households, schools, workplaces, clinics, and community spaces.
Mahalo to all partners supporting this urgent public health response and helping strengthen community protection across the territory.
🔗 Read the full E-Blast here: PIHOA E-Blast: American Samoa’s Successful Dengue Outbreak Response Utilizing Advanced Targeted Residual Spraying Against Aedes Mosquitoes