Two more toddlers have died since Friday bringing the number of fatalities in the cohort to 30 and the total measles death toll to 65.

There have now been 4,460 measles cases in Samoa, with a hospitalisation rate of 31 per cent.

Saturday afternoon's update brings the lowest number of new measles cases overnight since the beginning of the epidemic. A 103 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours – 37 less than the day before.

After the mass vaccination campaigns efforts, 85 per cent of Samoa’s most vulnerable children are vaccinated against measles, the Government reports.

The children, between six months and four years old are the least likely to have been vaccinated and have represented 89 per cent of measles related deaths.

There remain 165 measles related inpatient cases, 124 of which are in the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, including 18 children are in critical care in the intensive care unit, three pregnant women and one newborn.

After the two day mobile mass vaccination campaign approximately 89 per cent of Samoa is vaccinated.

This is the latest update: 

 The Ministry of Health confirms a total of 4,460 measles cases have been reported to the Disease Surveillance Team, since the outbreak started.  There were 103 recorded in the last 24 hours.   

There are currently 165 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities.  Of this, 124 are at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH), 4 at Poutasi District Hospital, 2 at Lalomanu DH, 27 at the Leulumoega Rural District Hospital, 3 at the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital (MTIIH) 3 at Foailalo DH, 1 Sataua DH and 1 at Safotu District Hospital.  Admissions include 18 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 1,407.  Of that, 1,177 (84%) patients have been discharged. Recovery rate has increased by 2% since the last update.

To date, 65 measles related deaths have been recorded, with 2 fatalities in the last 24 hours.

A breakdown of the statistics is as follows:

* Table subject to update as new data becomes available

 VACCINATION UPDATE:

As of December 6^th, 2019, approximately 89% of all eligible people in Samoa have been vaccinated against measles.

The estimated vaccination coverage in both Upolu and Savaii are:

1. 85% of the targeted infants and children aged 6 months to 4 years old
2. 96% of the targeted children aged 5 to 19 years old
3. 105% of the targeted women aged 20 to 35 years old
4. 85% of the targeted remaining population in Samoa

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.