The Ministry of Health says measles cases have been recorded in all inhabited areas of Samoa, three quarters of whom reside in Upolu.
As of 11 November 2019 there have been 716 suspected or confirmed measles cases, an increase of 203 over the previous week.
The ministry says unfortunately there have been an additional three measles-related deaths, all young children, bringing the total of measles-related deaths to six.
Young children have been particularly hard hit, with 58% of cases being aged 4 years and under.
Over 40% of all cases have required admission to hospital, almost 90% of these to TTM Hospital.
A further 24 cases were admitted to hospitals in Savaii and six to Leulumoega District Hospital.
The ministry is advising the public that from Friday 15 November 2019, the Children’s Outpatient Clinic will be closed and all suspected measles cases will need to present to the Acute Primary Care Clinic/Outpatient Department (APCC/OPD), including emergency measles cases.
This clinic will operate 24 hours a day.
All non-measles will either need to seek care at a Private GP clinic, or to the emergency department if they are seriously ill.
The ministry says this change is a result of the increasing number of measles cases presenting to TTM Hospital and to prevent people coming to the hospital with non-measles complaints, becoming infected with measles.
Being vaccinated against measles is the best way to prevent infection. Achieving a high level of vaccination across the country is key to controlling the epidemic. The measles vaccination continues to be available at all Health Facilities.
The Ministry of Health is reminding the public that the measles virus is very contagious.
The measles virus can be spread by an infected person through the air through breathing, coughing or sneezing.
It is important for the public to remain alert for any signs or symptoms of measles.
Initial measles symptoms can include: fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, eye sensitivity to light, as well as diarrhoea in children.
After 3-5 days a raised red rash will appear, usually commencing on the face and neck and spreading to the rest of the body.
Photo supplied