By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
With the report of two additional confirmed measles cases in a 13-year-old from Nakelo Rewa and a 27-year-old from Naitasiri, this brings the total measles cases in Fiji to 21.
Both cases are contacts with previously reported cases in their respective villages.
The 21 cases to date are from the following areas in the Central Division:
- 12 cases from the Serua/Namosi Subdivision (Wailali, Wainadoi, Navunikabi, and Makosoi Deuba)
- 4 cases from Suva Subdivision (Samabula, Vatuwaqa, Tacirua, Wailekutu).
- 4 cases from Rewa Subdivision (Koronivia, Nasilai Village Nakelo, Davuilevu).
- 1 case from Naitasiri Subdivision (Saumakia Village).
Earlier this week, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services received 200,000 measles vaccines, funded by the Australian Government.
“Australia is proud to assist the Fijian Government’s response to this measles outbreak”, said Ms Anna Dorney, Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Fiji. “The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has been working tirelessly to ensure that this outbreak is contained. We are pleased to support their critical work to protect Fijians against measles.”
Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, thanked the Australian Government for their assistance, “these vaccines will enable us to continue our mass immunisation campaign, targeting those most at risk of measles infection”.
While the main focus of the mass immunisation campaign has been on the Central Division, where all cases are currently from: the latest supply of measles vaccines will be distributed to the rest of Fiji for the next phase of mass immunisation, which will continue to target people most at risk of catching and spreading the disease.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services will announce details, including start dates, of the roll out of the campaign to the rest of Fiji shortly.
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