The measles epidemic has claimed one more young life overnight, taking the death toll to 77.

The death of the unnamed child, under five years old, was confirmed by the latest measles update provided by the National Emergency Operation Centre.

The update does not detail where the child died.

But the child is among 5,424 measles cases that have been reported to the Disease Surveillance Team, since the outbreak started.  

According to the Ministry of Health, 53 new cases were recorded during the past 24 hours, an increase of 13 from the day before.

The following is the full latest update from the N.E.O.C:

The Ministry of Health confirms a total of 5,424 measles cases have been reported to the Disease Surveillance Team, since the outbreak started.  There were 53 recorded in the last 24 hours.

There are currently 121 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities.  Of this, 101 are at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH), 1 at Poutasi District Hospital, 1 at Lalomanu District Hospital, 15 at the Leulumoega Rural District Hospital, 1 at the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital (MTIIH), 1 at Foailalo DH and 1 in Sataua District Hospital.  Admissions include 17 critically ill children in ICU/HDU.  

The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 1,749.  Of that, 1,551 (89%) patients have been discharged. 

To date, 77 measles related deaths have been recorded, with 1 fatality (child under 5 years old) in the last 24 hours. 

 VACCINATION UPDATE:

As of December 18, 2019, approximately 94% of all eligible people in Samoa have been vaccinated against measles.

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.