Samoa reports two additional measles deaths in past 24 hours

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews

In an update on the Samoa measles outbreak, the Ministry of Health confirmed an additional 165 cases and two deaths in the past 24 hours.

This brings the outbreak total to 4,217 measles cases and 62 measles related deaths.

Officials say there are currently 172 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities. Of this, 145 are at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH), 2 at Poutasi District Hospital, 1 at Lalomanu DH, 16 at the Leulumoega Rural District Hospital, 6 at the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital (MTIIH) 1 at Foailalo DH and 1 at Safotu District Hospital. Admissions include 19 critically ill children in ICU/HDU and 3 pregnant women and 1 postnatal at TTMH.

The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 1,310. Of that, 1,076 (82%) patients have been discharged.

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As of December 4th, 2019, the estimated vaccination coverage in both Upolu and Savaii are:

o 76% of infants and children aged 6 months to 4 years old

o 88% of children aged 5 to 19 years old

o 85% of women aged 20 to 35 years old

o 56% of the remaining population in Samoa

In response to the current measles outbreak, the government will be undertaking a ‘Door to door Mass Vaccination Campaign’ on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th December, 2019 from 7am to 5pm throughout the whole country.