Health and Safety in American Samoa

American Samoa is a developing nation and while adequate medical care is available in major centers, health care systems are not as efficient or advanced as those of industrialized countries. Through much of the country, the medical facilities are of poor quality.

LBJ Medical Center, a 140-bed hospital on the island of Tutuila, provides dental, general and emergency care services to residents of American Samoa. In cases requiring special health care for more serious medical conditions, the person is transferred to Hawaii or New Zealand.

The major causes of disease in this tropical region are mosquitoes, contaminated water and unsanitary food handling or preparation. Every care must be taken to guard against these. Sunburn and sunstroke are common in hot climatic conditions and immediate attention must be given to coral cuts and other skin problems.

Visitors must be vaccinated against typhoid and hepatitis and against Yellow Fever if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting an infected area. There are occasional outbreaks of Dengue Fever and Lymphatic Filariasis in American Samoa. There are no vaccines available for either disease. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you may be infected. Infection can be diagnosed with a blood test.

Although a relatively safe place, there are cases of petty crime and theft in American Samoa. In recent times, other menaces such as burglaries and drug-related crimes have become more common. These are sometimes accompanied by violence.