An 11-month-old baby has been admitted to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole hospital suspected of measles.
Director General of Health, Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma told TV1Samoa, that the infant was showing symptoms of measles and has been isolated to await results of blood samples sent to New Zealand.
He confirmed two other patients were tested recently and returned negative results.
According to Aiono, the Ministry of Health is continuing the Mumps Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccination around the country.
“We’ve approved the payment of staff overtime to allow for them to work Saturday,” he said.
Aiono said, it’s been three weeks since the MMR immunization campaign started and they have reached 85% of babies with the first dosage.
The second dosage is only at 45% coverage, and Aiono urged parents to push for their children to be fully vaccinated with both doses.
“We hope to reach 80% coverage with the second dose by June,” he added.
Meanwhile, the latest test results are expected next week.
