No new measles deaths, 32 new infections

By Sapeer Mayron 23 December 2019, 3:15PM

There have been no new measles-related-fatalities in the last day, the Government reports, and just 32 new infections.

So far, 79 people have died from measles and 5,552 people have been infected. There have been nearly 1800 hospitalisations, most of which have been in Tupua Tamasese Meaole (T.T.M.) Hospital.

Today’s situation report shows a significant drop in inpatients at Leulumoega with just four patients, down from 10 on Sunday.

There are still 71 patients in T.T.M., ten of which are in the intensive care unit (eight children and two adults). Three pregnant women are also being treated. 

Across Samoa there is one measles case in Lalomanu, two in Maelitoa Tanumafili Hospital in Tuasivi and two in Foailalo Hospital. 

There are also two cases of measles in Faleolo Hospital, which previously was designated as an exclusively non-measles ward.

Of the 17,95 hospitalisations, the National Emergency Operations Centre report 91 per cent of patients have been discharged.

The measles epidemic is showing sure signs of slowing down, weeks after the mass vaccination campaign began. So far 94 per cent of the population has been inoculated.

At the hospital, the Australian Medical Assistance Team has folded away the paediatric ward built in front of T.T.M. Hospital. 

“When I arrived there were still large numbers presented to the hospital, and now we're seeing the transition from response to recovery, so that's a really positive thing,” A.U.S.M.A.T. team lead Abigail Trewin said.

UPDATE ON THE MEASLES OUTBREAK

The Ministry of Health confirms a total of 5,552 measles cases have been reported to the Disease Surveillance Team, since the outbreak started.  There were 32 recorded in the last 24 hours.

There are currently 82 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities.   Of this, 71 are at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH), 1 at Lalomanu District Hospital, 2 at Faleolo, 4 at the Leulumoega Rural District Hospital, 2 at the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital (MTIIH), and 2 at Foailalo District Hospital.  Admissions include 8 critically ill children and 2 adults in ICU/HDU, plus 3 pregnant women at the TTMH Maternity Ward. 

The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 1,795.  Of that, 1,634 (91%) patients have been discharged. 

To date, 79 measles related deaths have been recorded.  There were no fatalities in the last 24 hours. 

VACCINATION UPDATE:

As of December 22, 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.  

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Health
By Sapeer Mayron 23 December 2019, 3:15PM

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