80% of the population who're in target groups are vaccinated for measles in the Central Division - Dr. Waqainabete

There are now 23 confirmed measles cases.

The new cases are a 13 month old baby and a 20 year old from Saumakia Village in Naitasiri. There are now 4 confirmed cases from Saumakia Village.

Health Minister, Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete confirms that 80% of the population in the Central Division who are in the target groups have been vaccinated for measles and they are expected to lift the restrictions for mass gatherings before New Year’s Eve.

Approximately 235,000 people have been immunized against measles since the outbreak was declared on the 7th of November. 

Dr. Waqainabete says health staff are working hard and going out in all communities trying to find the 20% people in the target groups in the Central Division that need to be vaccinated.

The Minister says health staff left for Lomaiviti and Lau Groups in two ships yesterday.

The measles mass immunization campaign has started in the Northern Division yesterday. 

Teams will also go house to house to immunize people in the target groups.

He says the Ministry of Health is working hard to finish all mass vaccination for measles before Christmas to be able to lift all restrictions before New Year's Eve.

The Health Ministry says all patients are in stable condition and most have been treated and sent home.

The 23 cases to date are from the following areas in the Central Division:

-12 cases from the Serua/Namosi Subdivision (Wailali, Wainadoi, Navunikabi, and Makosoi Deuba)

-4 cases from Suva Subdivision (Samabula, Vatuwaqa, Tacirua, Wailekutu)

-3 cases from Rewa Subdivision (Koronivia, Nasilai Village Nakelo, Davuilevu)

-4 cases from Naitasiri Subdivision (Saumakia Village)