The Government of Samoa on the 15th of November, 2019 declared a Proclamation of State of Emergency for 30 days for the measles epidemic.
Some 14 children under the age of five and one adult have died from the epidemic in the South Pacific island nation, the United Nations children's agency UNICEF reported yesterday.
Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus. Once quite common, measles can now almost always be prevented with a vaccine. There were about 110,000 global deaths related to measles in 2017, most of them in children under the age of 5, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Symptoms usually develop 10–12 days after exposure to an infected person and last 7–10 days. Initial symptoms typically include fever, often greater than 40 °C (104 °F), cough, runny nose, and inflamed eyes. A widespread skin rash is a classic sign of measles. This rash can last up to 7 days and generally appears within 14 days of exposure to the virus. It commonly develops on the head and slowly spreads to other parts of the body.
In response, Samoa Travel recommends the following:
- ALL travelers to Samoa to ensure their vaccinations are up to date before traveling. If uncertain of your immunization status, seek the advice of your healthcare providers before traveling;
- Visitors who are already in Samoa and uncertain of immunization status, visit one of the vaccination clinics including the National Hospitals;
- ALL travelers who have recently returned from Samoa to report to healthcare providers immediately if experiencing any of these symptoms - high fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and a rash.
The Samoa Ministry of Health has mobilized a coordinated targeted campaign to protect the health of the community through a vaccination outreach program, with numerous vaccination clinics set up around the country in:
Upolu Island
- The Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH) - Motootua
- Samoa Family Health Association - Motootua
- Wellness and Youth Friendly Service (Old Diabetic Clinic) - Eleele Fou
- Rural District Hospitals - Leulumoega, Poutasi, Lalomanu
- Mobile Service Unit at the Samoa Red Cross Compound - Tuanaimato
- Samoa Tourism Authority FALE - Eleele Fou
Savaii Island
- The Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital (MTIIH) - Tuasivi
- Rural District Hospitals - Sataua, Safotu, Foailalo
The targeted priority age groups are all children, youth under 19 years and non-pregnant females of 20 to 35 years.
For inquiries, contact the Samoa National Emergency Operations Centre on +997;
Or Health Emergency Operations Centre on +685 66506.
Or contact Samoa Travel on phone +685 63500
Tags: Samoa, a measles epidemic
