The Ministry of Health to date has been notified of 169 suspected cases of Measles since September 2019, with 153 suspect cases in Upolu and 16 reported from Savaii.
Of the 169 suspected measles cases 7 cases have been confirmed for Measles as of last week with 83 additional specimen results pending including the one suspected Measles related death.
Out of the 169 suspected cases 49 (30%) were admitted to TTM hospital, majority have recovered and discharge home with 7 new admission today of 2 adults and 5 children bringing the total number 11 admissions in hospital.
No admissions have been reported from MTII Hospital in Savaii.
Majority of people affected are children below 10 years of age as well as those age between 20 to 30 years.
The Ministry of Health advises and encourages the public to get vaccinated against measles.
Vaccination against measles is available at all health facilities including TTM Hospital Motootua and MTII Hospital Tuasivi.
The main Immunization Clinic at TTM Hospital Motootua opens Mondays to Fridays from 8.00am – 8.00pm daily and Saturdays from 8.00 am – 1.00pm. The Immunization Clinic for MTII Hospital Tuasivi, also opens Mondays to Fridays from 8.00am – 8.00pm and Saturdays from 8.00 am – 1.00pm.
The public is hereby reminded that it is important to take preventative measures to control the spread of measles. The following precautions is advised:
1. Avoid overcrowded living environments and engaging in public gatherings
2. Keep children home from school if sick.
3. The working public is advise to stay home if showing sign and symptoms of Measles
4. Ensure vaccination status of your child is up to date for all vaccine preventable diseases.
5. Children 6 months of age upwards are encourage to be vaccinated.
6. It is important to stay calm and not to panic. Take panadols or paracetamol syrup (for children) if having fever and apply cool sponging.
7. Ensure to drink plenty of fluids and maintain good hydration
8. Pregnant mothers to take extra precautions in protecting themselves.
9. Seek medical advice at your nearest health center if child’s condition becomes worse.
10. Cover your nose when coughing or sneezing or wear a mask
11. Do not share beddings, clothes, drinks etc,etc
12. Good hand washing using soap and clean water after sneezing and coughing and when caring for the sick.