UPDATE ON THE MEASLES OUTBREAK

The Ministry of Health confirms a total of 5,520 measles cases have been reported to the Disease Surveillance Team, since the outbreak started. There were 26 recorded in the last 24 hours.

There are currently 83 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities. Of this, 67 are at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH), 1 at Poutasi District Hospital, 1 at Lalomanu District Hospital, 10 at the Leulumoega Rural District Hospital, 3 at the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital (MTIIH), and 1 at Foailalo District Hospital. Admissions include 8 critically ill children and 2 adults in ICU/HDU, plus 3 pregnant women at the TTMH Maternity Ward.

The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 1,791. Of that, 1,629 (91%) patients have been discharged.

To date, 79 measles related deaths have been recorded. There were no fatalities in the last 24 hours.

VACCINATION UPDATE:

As of December 21, 2019, approximately 94% of all eligible people in Samoa have been vaccinated against measles.

NEOC continues to be the focal point providing collaboration and operational coordination amongst all stakeholders, with advice and technical guidance from MOH for the duration of the Emergency Period.

Please direct all enquiries to the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) on telephone number 997, and 911 for Emergencies.

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