Measles death toll increases to 72

By Alexander Rheeney 12 December 2019, 1:55PM

The death toll from the measles epidemic has increased to 72 with one fatality recorded in the last 24 hours.

In the latest update just released by the Samoa government, on top of the fatalities increasing the Ministry of Health has confirmed a total of 4,995 measles cases reported to its Disease Surveillance Team, since the outbreak was declared in October.

There were 75 cases recorded in the last 24 hours.

There are currently 176 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities with 140 at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH); three at Poutasi District Hospital; two at Lalomanu District Hospital; 19 at the Leulumoega Rural District Hospital; five at the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital (MTIIH); four at Foailalo District Hospital; one at Sataua District Hospital; and two at Safotu District Hospital.  

Admissions currently stand at 17 critically ill children in ICU/HDU and three pregnant women at TTMH, according to the government update.

 The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 1,579 with 1,331 or 84 per cent of patients already discharged. Recovery rate remains the same since the last update.

In terms of vaccination, approximately 93 per cent of all eligible people in Samoa have been vaccinated against measles since December 11. 

The National Emergency Operations Centre (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 state of emergency period.

By Alexander Rheeney 12 December 2019, 1:55PM

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