By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

In an update on the Samoa measles outbreak, the Ministry of Health confirmed an additional 165 cases and two deaths in the past 24 hours.

Image/TDH

This brings the outbreak total to 4,217 measles cases and 62 measles related deaths.

Officials say there are currently 172 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities. Of this, 145 are at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH), 2 at Poutasi District Hospital, 1 at Lalomanu DH, 16 at the Leulumoega Rural District Hospital, 6 at the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital (MTIIH) 1 at Foailalo DH and 1 at Safotu District Hospital. Admissions include 19 critically ill children in ICU/HDU and 3 pregnant women and 1 postnatal at TTMH.

The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 1,310. Of that, 1,076 (82%) patients have been discharged.

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As of December 4th, 2019, the estimated vaccination coverage in both Upolu and Savaii are:
o 76% of infants and children aged 6 months to 4 years old
o 88% of children aged 5 to 19 years old
o 85% of women aged 20 to 35 years old
o 56% of the remaining population in Samoa

In response to the current measles outbreak, the government will be undertaking a ‘Door to door Mass Vaccination Campaign’ on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th December, 2019 from 7am to 5pm throughout the whole country.