Samoa measles epidemic claims 83 lives

An infant and an adult have died in the past week taking the death toll in the measles epidemic in Samoa to 83.

The fatalities were reported between 29 December 2019 and 5 January 2020.

According to the Ministry of Health, a cumulative total of 5,697 measles cases have been reported to the Disease Surveillance Team, since the outbreak started.

Currently the outbreak is declining with 30 new cases reported between December 29, 2019 and January 5, 2020.

There are 16 measles currently admitted at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH) including 4 critically ill children in ICU/HDU.

The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 1,860.

Of that, 1,761 (95%) patients have recovered and been discharged.

There are currently no travel restrictions or vaccination requirement for those travelling to Samoa.

Additionally, proof of MMR vaccination is not currently required for Samoans travelling to Australia, New Zealand, or the United States.

Only travelers to American Samoa are required to provide proof of vaccination for MMR.

The Samoa Government lifted a State of Emergency Order on 29 December 2019.

 

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