Two people died of measles complications in Samoa between December 29 2019 and January 5, 2020 according to a release from the Samoa Ministry of Health late today.
One adult and an infant are the latest measles fatalities and bring the number of deaths since the epidemic started to 83.
MOH confirmed a cumulative total of 5,697 measles cases have been reported to the Disease Surveillance Team.
“Currently the outbreak is declining with 30 new cases reported between December 29, 2019 and January 5, 2020,” said the release.
As of 8.30 a January 5th 2020, there were 16 measles cases cadmitted at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH) including 4 critically ill children in ICU/HDU.
The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 1,860.
Of that number, 1,761 or 95% have fully recovered and discharged.
The Ministry also confirmed that there are currently no travel restrictions or vaccination requirement for those travelling to Samoa.
And MMR vaccination are not currently required for Samoans travelling to Australia, New Zealand, or the United States.
“Only travelers to American Samoa are required to provide proof of vaccination for MMR,” said the release.
