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Samoa

Ministry of Health Press Release 2 - Measles Epidemic

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Press Release,
Dated 21st October 2019
Measles Epidemic

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. Our 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.