Family loses 3-year-old treated for measles

By Talaia Mika 20 November 2019, 10:05AM

A family at Tuaefu lost their 3-year-old son to suspected measles last Friday at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole National Hospital at Motootua.

The late Tovio Tusolo was buried on Monday, with the family revealing that he was taken to the hospital after he developed a fever, and subsequently died on the same day he was admitted at the national hospital. 

The father of the deceased, Tusolo Faitoga, told the Samoa Observer that they did not expect to lose their son so quickly and they are shattered by his sudden passing.

"I went to work everyday with the knowledge that my family would never come across this kind of tragedy," he said.

The grieving family has appealed to other Samoan families to be on their guard during the measles epidemic, as ‘death does not known on the door with the virus spreading’.

"I thought it would never get to my family. Samoa, be alive,” said the grieving father.

With the passing of his son, Mr Tusolo said his priority now is to protect his daughter as well as unborn child, and ensure they are measles-free. 

A staff member of the under-construction Fiafia Park, the father of the deceased said he will not return to work until he is sure his family is safe. 

Fiafia Park owner and Mr Tusolo’s superior, Tupa'i Bruno Loyale, visited the grieving family at Tuaefu and gave them a financial contribution while expressing his condolences. 

Mr Tusolo said the contribution by Tupa'i will assist help his family meet the costs of funeral expenses.

"Despite the tragedy we're facing right now, we can never escape from the traditional ways of doing it which is to make the funeral happen properly,” he said. “Tupa'i's donation has been very helpful in preparing for my son's funeral so we're really grateful.”

Comment is being sought from the Ministry of Health in relation to this recent death. 

By Talaia Mika 20 November 2019, 10:05AM

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