American Samoa health authorities warn of outbreak of amoebic dysentery

Health officials in American Samoa are advising the public to follow strict water and food safety precautions due to an outbreak of amoebic dysentery involving 26 people, half of whom have been hospitalized.

Although traveller’s diarrhea is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, amoebic dysentery is an infection of the intestines by a parasite. Symptoms can range from mild diarrhea to dysentery with blood and mucus in the stool. The amoeba can invade the body and cause liver and brain abscesses. Travellers can reduce the risk of acquiring this infection by following food and water precautions and through good sanitary practices.