Measles epidemic

Samoa measles death toll increases to 32

In the past 24-hours there were 243 new cases reported, a sharp increase from 144 recorded over the same period yesterday.

The Ministry has confirmed a total of 2,437 measles cases have been reported to the Disease Surveillance Team, since the outbreak started.

There are currently 176 measles cases, who are in-patients at all health facilities.

The mass measles vaccination programme is continuing around the country.

     

Photo Samoa Government media  

Samoa measles outbreak worsens

The Ministry of Health confirmed a total of 1,797 measles cases have been reported to the Disease Surveillance Team, since the outbreak started.

There were 153 recorded in 24 hours.

Majority of the measles cases are in Upolu.

About 92% of current measles admissions are children, including 11 critically ill children in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

There are currently 147 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities.  

According to the Ministry of Health, a total of 32,743 vaccinations were completed before the Mass Vaccination Campaign.

Samoa measles death toll hits 20; eleven children critical

The government said 147 people were currently in hospital because of the measles, including 11 children who were in a critical condition.

The majority of them are at the main hospital in the capital, Apia.

It said there had been 1644 cases of measles recorded in the country since the outbreak started last month.

The country is in a state of emergency, with schools closed, a mass vaccination campaign underway, and public gatherings restricted.

Samoa Government issues new orders of State of Emergency

The requirements are effective immediately.

The compulsory vaccination programme will continue until the prioritized target age groups are completed.

These age groups are all persons aged 6-months to 19-years-old and non-pregnant females aged 20 to 35-years.

The older age groups will also be vaccinated, once the prioritised vulnerable target age groups, are completed.

There is also a travel restriction.

No child under the age of 19 can travel between Upolu and Savaii, until further notice.

Samoa confirms 16 fatalities, over 1000 suspected measles cases

There were 114 cases recorded in 24 hours.

To date, 16 measles related deaths have been recorded with one fatality in the past 24 hours, a 7 month old from Savaii.

About 98% of measles cases are in Upolu, and notably concentrated in the Vaimauga West and Faleata West District with about 92% admission rates highest in children below the age of 5 years.

There are currently 189 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities.

Fiji confirms 7 measles cases

The latest cases include a seven-month-old, a three-month-old and a 19-year-old.

The two infants are currently in a hospital isolation ward.

The Outbreak Response Team is conducting measures such as isolation, quarantine and vaccination of contacts and at risk communities.

During the weekend, health authorities were notified of a suspected case of measles within the Tongan rugby team that had arrived to play in a regional tournament.

NZ to provide further support for Samoan measles outbreak

“New Zealand will deploy a further 18 vaccination nurses, bringing the total to 30 working in Samoa over the next four weeks,” Mr Peters said.

“A New Zealand Medical Assistance Team (NZMAT) of ten doctors and nurses and support staff will deploy to Apia early tomorrow (Tuesday).”

“On 15 November the Government of Samoa declared a State of Emergency as the numbers of people infected with measles continues to rise and the hospital system is under strain.

Measles outbreak: Samoa LDS church cancels all services

The government declared a state of emergency on Friday night to assist it in dealing with an epidemic that has claimed at least six lives.

All schools and universities have been closed and government examinations scheduled for this month have been postponed indefinitely.

Hospitals are also implementing new policies with only one family member or caregiver allowed to attend to a patient and, unless they are requiring medical attention, no child under the age of 18 can visit a medical facility.

Samoa enforces strict measures to tackle measles

The Orders were issued in light of the State of Emergency declared by the Government.

The Ministry of Health (through the resolution of the Disaster Advisory and National Advisory Committee) is to publish its programme and schedule for the new vaccination programme by Monday 18 November.

This must include the confirmation of:

• Location;
• Dates for vaccinations for each Location;
• Modes of Transport (where available);
• Age brackets that will be prioritized;
• Any other health precautions required for the members of the public.

Samoa declares state of emergency over measles outbreak

The acting prime minister and Minister of Health, Faimalotoa Kika Stowers Ah Kau, made the declaration regarding the current outbreak Friday night.

Faimalotoa's announcement came after a special cabinet special meeting ran late into the evening.

She said a national disaster committee meeting will outline measures to put in place for all government ministries and corporations to work together in order to stop further spread of the disease.

The national disaster committee was scheduled to meet Saturday.