measles

Samoa measles crisis: Over 50% children in vulnerable age group yet to be vaccinated

And the latest statistics as of Monday this week shows that of the 53 measles-related mortalities 48 are children from 6 months to 4 years old.

By December 1st, Monday this week 9,412 children in the age group have received their vaccination injection since the Mass Campaign was launched on 20th November.

From the Campaign, 7,561 vaccine doses were injected for children under 4 years old in Upolu and 1,851 doses for Savaii children in the same age group.

Children stay home, Christmas gatherings cancelled in Samoa

Father Losi Antonio, of Mulivai Catholic Church in the south of Samoa, said at the start of the service the congregation prayed for those who had lost loved ones to measles as well as those fighting the disease.

Forty-eight people so far have died since the outbreak began - most of them children.

Strict government rules required children to stay at home from Mass, which is a big part of most Samoan's week.

"I asked the parish here to please make the children stay home," he said.

Measles epidemic: Samoa's death toll rises to 42

The government said there had also been 3149 measles confirmed cases of the disease, more than 200 of those in the last 24 hours.

Nearly 200 people are currently hospitalised with measles, including 20 critically ill children in intensive care.

A mass vaccination campaign is underway with dozens of New Zealand and Australian nurses in Samoa to assist.

Samoa's top health official has said the epidemic is yet to peak.

NZ to send more medical staff, supplies to Samoa - Peters

Thirty-nine people have died and about 3000 have contracted the disease, prompting a mass vaccination campaign.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said the latest support package included more medical staff and a machine to support oxygen production.

Among the medical team will be up to 15 intensive care specialists, as well as additional Samoan-speaking doctors and nurses.

New Zealand was also looking to provide psychological support for health workers in Samoa, he said.

Samoa Airways delivers medical support, pledges donation to Measles relief

 In light of the current 30 day proclamation of the State of Emergency for the measles outbreak in Samoa, CEO for Samoa Airways, Tupuivao Seiuli Alvin Tuala says the airline is doing their part to contribute toward the health crisis relief effort.

 “Out of this emergency, we have seen many examples of the generosity of spirit in our people who are working tirelessly to help save lives and provide support to families and health care workers in great need.” said Tupuivao Seiuli Alvin Tuala.

Measles case on Fiji to Auckland flight

 ARPHS Medical Officer of Health Dr Maria Poynter says people who may have been exposed on this flight should be vigilant for symptoms of the highly infectious disease.

 The flight departed Nadi, Fiji on Air New Zealand flight NZ 53 at 2.00 pm on Friday 22 November, landing at 5.10 pm in Auckland on the same day.

Children between 6 months to 4 years most vulnerable to measles, says Samoa Health Director

 Ministry of Health Director General, Leausa Dr Take Naseri, made reference to this age bracket and their vulnerability during the measles outbreak in a press conference on Wednesday. 

 Looking at the data he had on hand while expressing his concerns, he said health authorities remain concerned about this age group.

 “We were looking at targeted and prioritized group and we are still not satisfied with the coverage of the six months to four years,” he said.

NZ fundraiser for Samoa measles victims

Samoa's Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet said 153 new measles cases have been recorded in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 1797.

About 92 percent of the 147 people being treated at health facilities are children, with 11 critically ill children in intensive care.

One couple have lost three of their five children.

The majority of the infected are on Upolu island.

The ministry said a mass vaccination campaign was launched on Wednesday and more than 10,128 people have since been immunised.

Samoa open for business despite measles epidemic - Tourism group

The tourism authority had taken measures to help prevent the spread of the virus, including cancelling all activities that required people to congregate, said Pativaine Petaia-Tevita.

The Tatau Festival parade was cancelled this morning on the waterfront. However, the exhibition and concert would go ahead over the next few days.

Visitors should make sure their measles vaccinations were up-to-date before arriving, while those already in the country and unsure of their vaccination status could visit a local clinic, she said.

Samoa activates National Emergency Operation Centre for measles outbreak

The NEOC has been set up as required by the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) under the National Disaster and Emergency Act 2007.

The Government said the NEOC will be responsible for planning, operations, logistics, community welfare and public information management safety and legal section.

Before the Proclamation of Emergency, the Ministry of Health (MOH) activated its Emergency Operation Centre at Motootua on 11 November 2019 to coordinate efforts on mitigating the spread of the Measles Outbreak.