SUVA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Samoan Ministry of Health has declared a dengue fever outbreak with one reported death and 15 confirmed cases since January.

The ministry said in a statement on Thursday that there has been a significant increase in the number of suspected and confirmed cases, particularly in Upolu, the second-largest island in Samoa, over the past two weeks.

Most cases have been reported at the country's main hospital, where patients initially presented with other flu-like symptoms before testing positive for dengue, the statement said, adding that most of the patients have recovered well without requiring admission to the hospital.

The most affected areas are those located in the northwest of Upolu, with cases reported across all age groups.

Dengue fever is a viral illness caused by four different types of dengue virus, which can lead to severe infection, including Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, a potentially life-threatening condition that may cause internal bleeding and organ failure.

It is transmitted from person to person through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Enditem

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