1.30pm Thursday 12 December 2019, UPDATE ON THE MEASLES OUTBREAK
The latest report issued this afternoon by Samoa’s Ministry of Health confirms only 75 recorded cases in the past 24 hours, notably less than the 200+ in earlier reports.
Although the death toll has now reached 72, there has been a distinct slowing of fatalities with 2 deaths recorded in the past 72 hours. Again notably less than the three to five deaths within 24 hours we have had to report in previous weeks.
Today there are 17 critically ill children in ICU at the National Hospital in Motootua, compared to 20 reported yesterday.
Samoa still has 176 measles cases being treated in hoapitals across the two main islands of Upolu and Savaii.
There are 140 are at the National Hospital in Apia, and 24 in District Hospitals across Upolu.
“3 at Poutasi District Hospital, 2 at Lalomanu DH, 19 at the Leulumoega District Hospital”.
In Savaii there are 12 patients in hospitals across the Big Island of Savaii.
“5 at the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital (MTIIH) 4 at Foailalo DH, 1 Sataua DH and 2 at Safotu District Hospital”.
The recovery rate is reported to remain the same since the last update.
“The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 1,579. Of that, 1,331 (84%) patients have been discharged”.
VACCINATION UPDATE:
As of December 11th, 2019, approximately 93% 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.
—ENDS—
