The measles outbreak in Samoa has now claimed 32 lives, according to Ministry of Health data released on Tuesday afternoon.

This is seven more deaths than the update the Government had issued on Monday.

There were 243 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry's National Emergency Operation Centre in its latest update issued on Friday. 

Vaccinologist Helen Petousis-Harris from the University of Auckland said the steady stream of new infections did not suggest that the diseasehad yet peaked.

"The epidemic certainly does appear to still be escalating," she said. 

"With a disease like measles speed is of the essence; how fast you vaccinate saves lives."

The Ministry's surveillance team says 2,437 measles cases have been reported since the outbreak was declared in the middle of last month. 

The Ministry says 176 cases of measles are currently receiving in-patient treatment at health facilities. 

Of therse, 146 are at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, five at the Poutasi District Hospital; three at the Lalomanu District Hospital; 11 at the Leulumoega Rural District Hospital; two at the 2 at the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital; two Sataua and four at Safotu District Hospital.

“The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 766.  Of that, 558 patients have been discharged," the Ministry said.

UPDATE ON THE MEASLES OUTBREAK

The Ministry of Health confirms a total of 2,437 measles cases have been reported to the Disease Surveillance Team, since the outbreak started.  There were 243 recorded in the last 24 hours.  

To date, 32 measles related deaths have been recorded.

There are currently 176 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities.  Of this, 146 are at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH), 5 at Poutasi District Hospital, 3 at Lalomanu District Hospital, 11 at the Leulumoega Rural District Hospital, 2 at the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital (MTIIH), 3 at Foailalo District Hospital, 2 at Sataua and 4 at Safotu District Hospital.  

The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 766.  Of that, 558 patients have been discharged.

A breakdown of the statistics is as follows:

* Table subject to update as new data becomes available

VACCINATION UPDATE:

A total of 32,743 vaccinations were completed before the Mass Vaccination Campaign. Of these, the age groups are outlined below: 

• 6months to 4 years – 4222
• 5 to 19 years – 14,145
• 20 to 39 years – 9,283
• 40-49 years – 3058
• 50+ - 2035

Since the activation of the Mass Vaccination Campaign on 20 November 2019, the Ministry has successfully vaccinated 24,000 individuals in both Upolu and Savaii.  

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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