Samoa measles epidemic: six fatalities in the last 24 hours brings death toll to 39

Source: National Emergency Operation Centre

The Ministry of Health confirms a total of 2,936 measles cases have been reported to the Disease Surveillance Team, since the outbreak started.  There were 250 recorded in the last 24 hours.

To date, 39 measles related deaths have been recorded, with 6 fatalities in the last 24 hours.

There are currently 190 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities.  Of this, 156 are at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH), 2 at Poutasi District Hospital, 1 at Lalomanu District Hospital, 24 at the Leulumoega Rural District Hospital, 4 at the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital (MTIIH), 1 at Foailalo District Hospital and 2 at Sataua District Hospital.  Admissions include 21 critically ill children in ICU/HDU and 4 pregnant women at TTMH.

The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 849.  Of that, 620 patients have been discharged.

A breakdown of the statistics is as follows:

* Table subject to update as new data becomes available

VACCINATION UPDATE:

A total of 32,743 vaccinations were completed before the Mass Vaccination Campaign. Of these, the age groups are outlined below:

-6months to 4 years – 4222
-5 to 19 years – 14,145
-20 to 39 years – 9,283
-40-49 years – 3058
-50+ – 2035

Since the activation of the Mass Vaccination Campaign on 20 November 2019, the Ministry has successfully vaccinated 44,907 individuals, of that 34,456 were vaccinated in Upolu and 10,451 in Savaii.

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.