By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
The Government of Samoa have confirmed seven measles cases in recent weeks, prompting officials to declare a measles epidemic.
According to officials, four cases were confirmed in late September by the Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory in Melbourne, Australia–one adult and three children.
Then shortly after, three additional cases were confirmed– two were children under five years and 1 was an adult of 22 years old.
One fatality was reported in a child age one year two months who presented at the hospital with a history of febrile convulsions, cough and skin rash typical of measles associated with severe dehydration. Verification of immunization status for this child revealed that he has not been vaccinated against measles.
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.
The 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.
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