Ministry of Health says the Serua/Namosi measles outbreak declared on November 7th 2019 is now at an end
By: Naveel Krishant
The Ministry of Health says the Serua/Namosi measles outbreak declared on November 7th 2019 is now at an end.
They say a total of 12 cases of measles were reported from Serua/Namosi during the outbreak adding no new cases have been reported since the end of November, and more than 42 days (two incubation periods) have passed since the last case.
The Ministry says the outbreak in Serua/Namosi was brought to an end in less than a month from the time it was declared through the massive response efforts of the Serua/Namosi Sub-divisional Health Team, which included the vaccination of 96% of the subdivision’s population.
They say the people of Serua/Namosi are also to be commended for heeding the Ministry’s advice and coming forward to be vaccinated.
However, the Ministry says the measles outbreak remains ongoing for the rest of Central Division.
They say the weekly reported cases have decreased and there have been no new cases reported since the last update on January 9th adding The respective sub-divisional outbreak response teams will continue to respond to new cases as they arise.
The case count remains at 28 and there have been no deaths due to measles.
28 confirmed cases of measles in the country Friday (10/01/2020)
By Naveel Krishant
Mass gathering advisory in place due to measles outbreak lifted (Friday 10/01/2020)
By Shanil Singh
Measles immunisation campaign to continue from Monday Saturday 04/01/2020
27 confirmed cases of measles in the country Saturday 04/01/2020
By Rashika Kumar
There are now 27 confirmed cases of measles in the country.
The latest confirmed cases are of a 12-year-old from Sakoca in Tacirua who is linked to a previous case in the same area, and a 39-year-old from Nasole in Nasinu who was admitted at the CWM Hospital and later discharged.
The 3-month-old baby who was earlier reported to have measles is still admitted at the CWM Hospital.
All other confirmed cases have recovered or are recovering well under home isolation.
All 27 cases are from the following areas in the Central Division:
12 cases from the Serua/Namosi Subdivision (Wailali, Wainadoi, Navunikabi, and Makosoi Deuba)
8 cases from Suva Subdivision (Nabua, Samabula, Vatuwaqa, Sakoca in Tacirua, Wailekutu and Naikorokoro Village in Lami).
3 cases from Rewa Subdivision (Koronivia, Nasilai Village Nakelo, Davuilevu).
4 cases from Naitasiri Subdivision (Saumakia Village)
The Ministry of Health has reached their target in the Central and Eastern Divisions through the mass measles vaccination campaign, where only 20,000 people are yet to be immunised.
Health Minister, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says they are yet to reach their target in some places in the Northern and Western Divisions.
He says he is hoping that this is going to be done by the end of next week.
Doctor Waqainabete has also confirmed the Ministry will also be reserving some measles vaccinations in case it is needed in the future.
He says the ministry will look at opportunities to immunise those outside the target group of 19 to 39 after they have reached their target and have some vaccines in reserve.
The Minister adds that they are hoping that the restriction because of the outbreak will be lifted by the end of next week as this is enough time for people to develop their immunity against measles.
These restrictions include mass gatherings and non-essential travelling to the Serua/Namosi sub-division.
Measles vaccination campaign temporarily suspended due to Tropical Cyclone Sarai Friday 27/12/2019
By Pratika Mala
Ministry of Health and Medical Services confirms measles vaccination campaign has been temporarily suspended due to the threat of Tropical Cyclone Sarai.
The Ministry says people will be informed when the campaign will recommence.
There are now 25 cases of measles in the country.
The latest confirmed case is an 11 - month old baby from Nabua who was admitted under isolation at CWM Hospital on Friday and was discharged yesterday.
A 3-month-old baby also continues to be admitted under isolation at CWM Hospital.The Health Ministry confirms all other cases confirmed earlier have recovered or are recovering well under home isolation.
All 25 cases are from the following areas in the Central Division:
-12 cases from the Serua/Namosi Subdivision (Wailali, Wainadoi, Navunikabi, and Makosoi Deuba)
-6 cases from Suva Subdivision (Nabua, Samabula, Vatuwaqa, Tacirua, Wailekutu and Naikorokoro Village in Lami).
-3 cases from Rewa Subdivision (Koronivia, Nasilai Village Nakelo, Davuilevu).
-4 cases from Naitasiri Subdivision (Saumakia Village)
Measles is a highly contagious disease; therefore, non-essential travel to Naikorokoro Village in Lami, Saumakia Village in Naitasiri, Serua/Namosi, and Nasilai Village in Nakelo, Rewa is strongly discouraged.
328,000 people in Fiji have been vaccinated against measles since the outbreak was declared on Thursday 7th November this year.
25 confirmed cases of measles in the country Friday 27/12/2019
81 measles deaths now in Samoa (Thursday 26/12/2019)
Measles epidemic sweeping Samoa brings death toll to 80 (Thursday 26/12/2019)
60,000 people targeted for measles vaccination by the end of today (Tuesday 24/12/2019)
24 confirmed cases of measles latest victim being a 3 month old baby from Naikorokoro Village in Lami (Tuesday 24/12/2019)
CFL cancels Annual New Years Eve Street Party 'Big Night Out' (Tuesday 24/12/2019)
By Dhanjay Deo
Communications Fiji Limited, the parent company for Legend FM, FM 96, Viti FM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam and news website, fijivillage.com has cancelled their Annual New Years Eve Street Party, “The Big Night Out”.
This is due to the measles outbreak and potential weather situation over the coming week.
Senior Content Director Satya Nand says they don’t want to put their listeners at risk and have decided to change “The Big Night Out” into “The Big Night In”.
He says listeners can expect amazing line of programs on New Year’s Eve, both on-air and online on Legend FM, FM 96, Viti FM, Navtarang and Radio Sargam.
Measles epidemic brings death toll to 79 in Samoa
Ministry of Health intends to conclude mass measles vaccination campaign by this afternoon - Dr. Waqainabete (Tuesday 24/12/2019)
By Rashika Kumar/Feroz Mohammed
The Ministry of Health intends to conclude the mass measles vaccination campaign by this afternoon.
This has been confirmed by the Minister for Health Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete who says they are trying to get everyone vaccinated for measles by Christmas Eve especially in the target group which includes people between the ages of 19 to 39 in the Central Division.
He hopes the campaign will conclude this afternoon but it depends on the total number of people who are vaccinated.
He is urging those in the target group who have not been vaccinated to do so today by either going to the health centres, nursing stations or when visited by the teams.
Waqainabete also says they are hoping to lift all the restrictions by New Year’s Eve but that would depend on them being able to complete the mass vaccination campaign by today.
These restrictions include mass gatherings and non-essential travelling to the Serua/Namosi sub-division.
He says over 325,000 people have been vaccinated so far.
Ministry of Health urges all parents to get young children vaccinated against measles (Friday 20/12/2019)
By Rashika Kumar
The Ministry of Health is urging parents to ensure their children between the age of 6 months to 5 years should get vaccinated for measles as soon as possible.
Head of Health Protection, Dr. Aalisha Sahukhan says preliminary data from Central Division shows that less children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years are getting their vaccination when compared to adults in the target group.
She also highlighted that the normal immunization schedule starts at 12 months so most children 6 to 12 months have not even received one dose of vaccination.
She adds that getting more people vaccinated for measles would also keep those who are vulnerable safe such as people who have cancer and cannot get vaccinated.
Dr. Sahukhan says that some of the outreach posts in the Central Division have been closed so that more teams are mobilized to go house to house to find children who are not getting vaccinated.
The Ministry continues to advise people against mass gathering to prevent themselves from getting the disease.
Dr. Sahukhan adds that since it is the holiday period and people may intend to travel, they are still being advised against non-essential travel to the Serua/Namosi area.
There are 23 confirmed measles cases.
235,000 people have been vaccinated since the outbreak was declared last month.
Samoa measles death toll increases to 76
Measles mass immunisation campaign starts in the Northern Division
Measles epidemic brings death toll in Samoa to 73
Team from Ministry of Health to travel to Lomaiviti and Lau Groups this week to carry out measles vaccination Monday (16/12/2019)
By Priteshni Nand
A team from the Ministry of Health will be travelling to the Lomaiviti and Lau Groups this week to carry out the vaccination for measles.
Health Minister Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says the Fiji Navy will be supporting them in carrying this out.
He says the mass vaccination campaign also started in the Western Division on Friday and health staff are going to rural settlements to immunise people in the target groups.
Doctor Waqainabete says they are working hard to finish all mass vaccination for measles before Christmas to be able to lift all restrictions before New Year's Eve.
He says over 200,000 people have been vaccinated against measles since the outbreak was declared.
He says although people in the outbreak areas have been vaccinated, they are still vulnerable to getting the disease within 4 to 10 days after getting vaccinated.
Doctor Waqainabete says the cost of the mass vaccination campaign has reached over $2 million dollars and by the end of the campaign it can cost almost $5 million dollars.
There are now 21 confirmed cases of measles in Fiji and Doctor Waqainabete says all patients are in stable condition and most have been treated and sent home.
The Minister says that the two new cases of measles, a 13-year-old child from Nasilai Village in Nakelo, Rewa and 27-year old woman from Saumakia Village in Naitasiri were directly in contact with those people who were earlier diagnosed with measles.
Dr. Waqainabete says the 13-year-old boy from Nasilai Village in Nakelo, Rewa is the son of a measles patient who is currently being treated.
The 27-year old woman from Saumakia Village in Naitasiri is the babysitter of the 9-month-old baby from Davuilevu who also has measles.
The 21 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).
-4 cases from Rewa Subdivision (Koronivia, Nasilai Village Nakelo, Davuilevu).
-1 case from Naitasiri Subdivision (Saumakia Village)
Measles is a highly contagious disease; therefore, non-essential travel to Serua/Namosi and Nasilai Village in Nakelo is strongly discouraged, as are mass gatherings in these areas. The Ministry advises that it will not support and has not supported any requests to condone mass gatherings in these locations.
The Ministry says the vaccination campaign in the North will begin tomorrow.
Vaccination booths will be open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday in all locations in the West.
The national campaign will continue to target people who are most at risk of being infected by measles and spreading the disease.
The Health Ministry says that pregnant women, babies under the age of 6 months, those with a compromised immune system and those with a known allergy to the vaccine should not be vaccinated.
It says people aged 40 and over will not be vaccinated as they are likely to have had measles as a child and therefore have life-long immunity.
Health Ministry aims to lift all restrictions on measles before New Years Eve - Dr. Waqainabete Sunday (15/12/2019)
By Priteshni Nand
Minister for Health, Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete 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.
Dr. Waqainabete says over 200,000 people have been vaccinated against measles since the outbreak was declared.
Dr. Waqainabete says health teams are going to rural settlements to immunise people in the target groups in the Western Division.
He says although people in the outbreak areas have been vaccinated, they still are vulnerable to getting the disease within 4 to 10 days after getting vaccinated.
Dr. Waqainabete says the cost of vaccination has reached over $2 million dollars and by the end of the campaign it can cost almost $5 million dollars.
He is again advising all Fijians not to host any mass gatherings as per the Ministry's advisory.
The Minister is also urging all Fijians to go to their nearest health centre and get vaccinated.
There are now 21 confirmed cases of measles in Fiji and Dr. Waqainabete says all patients are in stable condition and most have been treated and sent home.
The Minister says that the two new cases of measles, a 13-year-old child from Nasilai Village in Nakelo, Rewa and 27-year old woman from Saumakia Village in Naitasiri were directly in contact with those people who were earlier diagnosed with measles.
Dr. Waqainabete says the 13-year-old boy from Nasilai Village in Nakelo, Rewa is the son of a measles patient who is currently being treated.
The 27-year old woman from Saumakia Village in Naitasiri is the babysitter of the 9-month-old baby from Davuilevu who also has measles.
The 21 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).
-4 cases from Rewa Subdivision (Koronivia, Nasilai Village Nakelo, Davuilevu).
-1 case from Naitasiri Subdivision (Saumakia Village)
Measles is a highly contagious disease; therefore, non-essential travel to Serua/Namosi and Nasilai Village in Nakelo is strongly discouraged, as are mass gatherings in these areas. The Ministry advises that it will not support and has not supported any requests to condone mass gatherings in these locations.
The Ministry says the vaccination campaign in the North will begin tomorrow.
Vaccination booths will be open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday in all locations in the West.
The national campaign will continue to target people who are most at risk of being infected by measles and spreading the disease.
The Health Ministry says that pregnant women, babies under the age of 6 months, those with a compromised immune system and those with a known allergy to the vaccine should not be vaccinated.
It says people aged 40 and over will not be vaccinated as they are likely to have had measles as a child and therefore have life-long immunity.
2 new measles cases are directly connected to previous cases - Dr. Waqainabete
21 confirmed cases of measles in Fiji (Saturday 14/12/2019)
Measles Vaccination Campaign begins in the Western and Eastern Divisions (Friday 13/12/2019)
By Rashika Kumar
The Measles Vaccination Campaign has begun in the Western and Eastern Divisions this morning as thousands of people have been lining up at various hospitals, health centres and nursing stations to get their vaccinated.
The Ministry of Health teams are also going in settlements to immunise people in the target groups.
Vaccination booths will be open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday in all locations in the West.
About 200,000 people have been immunised against measles since the outbreak was declared.
The number of confirmed measles cases remain 19 in Fiji.
The vaccination campaign in the North will begin next Monday.
The national campaign will continue to target people who are most at risk of being infected by measles and spreading the disease.
The Ministry adds that pregnant women, babies under the age of 6 months, those with a compromised immune system and those with a known allergy to the vaccine should not be vaccinated.
The ministry says people aged 40 and over will not be vaccinated as they are likely to have had measles as a child and therefore have life-long immunity.
The campaign will continue in the Central Division.
Measles epidemic brings death toll to 79 in Samoa
Fiji Naval Force on stand-by to assist Ministry of Health in measles vaccination drives (Wednesday 11/12/2019)
By Navitalai Naivalurua
The Fiji Naval Force will be on standby to assist the Ministry of Health in measles vaccination drives in the west, north and maritime areas.
This has been stated by RFMF Commander, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto during their End of the Year Parade which was held at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua.
Rear Admiral Naupoto says many people will be visiting villages this festive season so the Naval Forces will be working with the Ministry in sending measles vaccination kits to the islands.
He says this will allow people in the islands to be vaccinated before people from the urban areas visit these places.
19 confirmed cases of measles in Fiji (Wednesday 11/12/2019)
735,000 measles vaccines for Fiji - Health Minister (Tuesday 10/12/2019)
By Vijay Narayan
Minister for Health, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete who is leading the charge to ensure that the mass vaccination for measles is achieved, has today confirmed that the ministry has achieved 97% vaccination rate in the Serua, Namosi and Navua outbreak area while there has been a 50% vaccination rate in the Central Division.
Knowing that the measles outbreak and epidemic was a major concern in different parts of the world, Doctor Waqainabete says the Health Ministry took quick action earlier this year with the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister to ensure that Fiji has sufficient amount of vaccines and they are rolled out through the outbreak areas.
He says the Ministry has completed over 135,000 vaccinations, and is on to the next 200,000 vaccinations.
Doctor Waqainabete confirms that another 400,000 vaccines are also arriving from Australia and New Zealand.
The aim is to complete high risk and medium risk areas as a total of 735,000 vaccines have been arranged by the Health Ministry.
The Health Minister says the target population of 6 months to 5 years and the 19 years to 39 years the Central Division need to get vaccinated. He says the tents set up in different areas are now getting empty and the ministry is calling on people to come forward to get immunized.
Doctor Waqainabete says anyone who is able to go to the tent, health centre or hospital should do so now. He says the 74 mobile vaccination teams are also visiting areas in Nausori, Tailevu and Naitasiri to reach out to the underprivileged people.
They also aim to start vaccinations in the Western and Northern divisions by the end of this week.
There are 18 confirmed cases of measles in the country.
The Health Ministry says the latest confirmed cases are a 3-month-old baby from Wailali Settlement in Wainadoi and a 1 year 5 months old child from Wailekutu in Lami.
The Ministry says the outbreak response teams have rapidly responded to the latest cases.
12 cases have been confirmed from the Serua/Namosi Subdivision (Wailali, Wainadoi, Navunikabi and Makosoi Deuba) 4 cases from Suva Subdivision (Samabula, Vatuwaqa, Tacirua, Wailekutu) 2 cases from Rewa Subdivision (Koronivia, Nasilai Village Nakelo)
In the first two days of phase two of the mass vaccination campaign, over 70 health teams have vaccinated more than 45,000 people across the Central Division.
Measles is a highly contagious disease; therefore, non-essential travel to Serua/Namosi and Nasilai Village in Nakelo is strongly discouraged, as are mass gatherings in these areas. The Ministry advises that it will not support and has not supported any requests to condone mass gatherings in these locations.
If you need to travel to these areas, please get vaccinated against measles at least two weeks before travel. Please avoid taking those that cannot get vaccinated (for example, babies under the age of 6 months and pregnant women) to the outbreak areas.
In the Central Division only, the campaign will target all children aged 6 months to 5 years, all people born between 1980 and 2000 (19 to 39-year-olds, who should have ID available if asked) and all residents of Serua/Namosi aged 6 months and older.
The BBC reports that than more than 140,000 people died from measles last year as the number of cases around the world surged once again. Most of the lives cut short were children aged under five.
The situation has been described by health experts as staggering, an outrage, a tragedy and easily preventable with vaccines.
Huge progress has been made since the year 2000, but there is concern that incidence of measles is now edging up.
In 2018, the UK - along with Albania, the Czech Republic and Greece, lost their measles elimination status. And 2019 could be even worse.
The US is reporting its highest number of cases for 25 years, while there are large outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Ukraine.
Samoa has declared a state of emergency and unvaccinated families are hanging red flags outside their homes to help medical teams find them.
The global estimates are calculated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.
They show:
In 2000 - there were 28.2 million cases of measles and 535,600 deaths
In 2017 - there were 7.6 million cases of measles and 124,000 deaths
In 2018 - there were 9.8 million cases of measles and 142,000 deaths
Measles cases do not go down every year - there was an increase between 2012 and 2013, for example.
However, there is greater concern now that progress is being undone as the number of children vaccinated stalls around the world.
"The fact that any child dies from a vaccine-preventable disease like measles is frankly an outrage and a collective failure to protect the world's most vulnerable children," said Dr Tedros Ghebreysus, director-general of the WHO.
In order to stop measles spreading, 95% of children need to get the two doses of the vaccine.
But the figures have been stubbornly stuck for years at around 86% for the first jab, and 69% for the second.
Why enough children are not being vaccinated is more complicated - and the reasons are not the same in every country.
The biggest problem is access to vaccines, particular in poor countries.
The five worst-affected countries in 2018 were Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Somalia and Ukraine.
Henrietta Fore, Unicef's executive director, said: "The unacceptable number of children killed last year by a wholly preventable disease is proof that measles anywhere is a threat to children everywhere."
Dr Seth Berkley, chief executive of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said: "It is a tragedy that the world is seeing a rapid increase in cases and deaths from a disease that is easily preventable with a vaccine.
"While hesitancy and complacency are challenges to overcome, the largest measles outbreaks have hit countries with weak routine immunisation and health systems."
Prof Larson said: "These numbers are staggering. Measles, the most contagious of all vaccine-preventable diseases, is the tip of the iceberg of other vaccine-preventable disease threats and should be a wake-up call."
Fiji Corrections Service taking proactive steps to prevent spread of measles in Correction Centers - Kean (Monday 09/12/2019)
By Violet Matakibau
The Fiji Corrections Service is taking proactive steps to prevent the spread of measles in its Correction Centers by ensuring that all prisoners are immunized.
This stance is in support of the frequent warnings that have been disseminated by the Ministry of Health in relation to mass gatherings and the cautionary advice of movements particularly to the Central/Eastern Divisions.
The Commissioner of Corrections, Commander Francis Kean has confirmed that liaison with the Chief Registrar's Office on movement of prisoners from the Western and Northern Divisions for court cases in the Central/Eastern Divisions is to be ceased and adjourned to mid-January until such time further advice from the Ministry of Health is received.
Court movements from the Southern and Central/Eastern Divisions excluding Levuka will continue as per production orders from the Courts. Kean says that currently all prisoners around Fiji including Corrections personnel plus their families have been immunized.
Kean says their only task now is to ensure that all new admissions into their Corrections Centers for both convicts and remand prisoners are administered the necessary vaccine if they have not been immunized.
Kean has requested all visitors to any of the Correction Centers to take along proof of their immunization in order to be eligible for visiting. This includes those from the legal profession who frequently visit clients under the care, plus all other visitors.
SBW raising funds for families impacted by measles outbreak in Samoa
Measles epidemic brings death toll in Samoa to 70 in the past 24 hours
Samoan anti-vaxxer to front Supreme Court today
Measles epidemic brings death toll in Samoa to 68
SBW teams up with old teammates to raise funds for families impacted by measles outbreak in Samoa
Human Rights Day march cancelled due to measles advisory
18 confirmed cases of measles in the country
Samoa measles death toll increase to 63
Emotional start for Samoa 7s in their first pool match in Dubai
Fiji has good opportunities and strong political will to realise the right to health - Puras (Friday 06/12/2019)
By: Vilisi Nawaqatabu
The United Nations Special Rapporteur for Health in the Pacific, Dainius Puras says Fiji has good opportunities and strong political will to realise the right to health but achieving this goal will depend as much on addressing violence, discrimination and inequalities as on investments in its health care system.
The UN Special Rapporteur has also commended the Fijian government for its good management of the measles outbreak.
Puras says Fiji has invested in all the main elements of health care through the modernized outpatient and hospital care, invested in infrastructure and increased salaries for medical doctors.
He says it is important to continue investing in a sustainable health care system with a focus on primary care but it is equally essential to seriously address the major determinants of health such as violence, discrimination and inequalities that threaten the effective realization of people’s rights to health.
Puras says Fiji should also make full use of its existing legislation and policies to combat violence against women and other vulnerable groups.
He says community-based rehabilitation services should also be developed to support people with psychosocial, intellectual and cognitive disabilities.
He says this needs measures that are adequately supported with resources and that are in line with a human rights-based approach and based on specific evidence.
16 confirmed cases of measles in Fiji (Thursday 05/12/2019)
By: Shanil Singh
There are now 16 confirmed cases of measles in Fiji with the latest confirmed case being a 24-year-old from Sakoca in Tacirua.
The Suva Subdivisional Outbreak Response Team has rapidly responded to this latest case.
11 of the confirmed measles cases are from the Serua/Namosi Subdivision specifically in Wailali, Wainadoi, Navunikabi and Makosoi in Deuba.
3 confirmed measles cases are from Samabula, Tacirua and Vatuwaqa in the Suva subdivision while 2 other cases are from Koronivia and Nasilai Village in Nakelo in the Rewa subdivision.
The second phase of the measles immunisation campaign started yesterday.
The Ministry says across Fiji, the immunisation campaign will target any child who has not received 2 dozes of a measles vaccine, any child aged 12 and 18 months who is scheduled for their routine measles immunisation, any person in Fiji travelling overseas, all health care workers and all airport and hotel staff.
The Ministry of Health says that in the Central Division only, the campaign will also target all children aged 6 months to 5 years, all people born between 1980 to 2000 (19 years to 39 years) and all residents of Serua/Namosi aged 6 months and older.
The Central Division is prioritized for this phase of the campaign as all confirmed cases to date are in this Division and the focus remains on containing the current outbreak.
It says the other Divisions will be targeted once more vaccine supplies arrive into the country.
The Ministry adds that pregnant women, babies under the age of 6 months, those with compromised immune systems and those with a known allergy to the vaccine should not be vaccinated.
Babies between 1 to 6 months most likely to be passed immunity of the measles vaccination through breastfeeding - Dr. Sahukhan (Wednesday 04/12/2019)
By: Vilisi Nawaqatabu
Babies who are between one to six months old will most likely be passed the immunity of the measles vaccination through breastfeeding.
This has been highlighted by the Head of Health Protection Dr. Aalisha Sahukhan.
Sahukhan says babies under the age of six months cannot be vaccinated so they are encouraging all women between the ages of 19 to 39 to get vaccinated.
When asked about people over 39-years-old being turned away by vaccination teams, Sahukhan says the measles vaccine was first introduced into Fiji in 1982 so people born before that are most likely to have gotten exposed to the virus already thus they are most likely to have gotten measles.
She says that once you have gotten measles, you won't be able to get it again as you will have life long immunity.
Phase 2 of the mass immunisation campaign to tackle the measles outbreak in the country started today.
Sahukhan says as of now the number of confirmed measles cases stands at 15.
She says 11 of these reported cases are from the province of Serua and Namosi, 2 from Suva and 2 from Rewa.
Samoa's measles epidemic claims 5 more lives bringing death toll to 60 (Wednesday 04/12/2019)
By: Semi Turaga
Samoa's measles epidemic has taken 5 more lives in the past 24 hours which brings the death toll to 60.
A total of 4,052 measles cases have been reported since the outbreak started. There were 171 cases recorded in the last 24 hours alone.
TVNZ News reports fifty-two of the 60 that have died from contracting the disease to date were under the age of four.
At this stage the Samoan government has revealed there are 177 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities.
The Samoan government is set to shut down tomorrow for two days in an aim to have workers help with the mass vaccination campaign
[Source: TVNZ]
Hundreds queue at various locations to get measles shots during 2nd phase of immunisation campaign (Wednesday 04/12/2019)
By: Dhanjay Deo
Hundreds of people are turning out at various locations to get their measles vaccination as the second phase of the immunisation campaign is rolling out from today.
We witnessed the lines are moving fast and people are coming with their children to get vaccinated.
We caught up with Muinesh Sami of Laucala Beach at the Samabula Health Centre who says he was waiting to get vaccinated as he has to travel for work purposes.
We also spoke to 73 year old Laisiana Buirokula of Gaji Road at the Raiwaqa Health Centre who brought her three grandchildren for measles vaccination.
Buirokula says she has experienced the measles outbreak in the past but they were immunised.
43 year old Viliame Waqalaivi turned up at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Toorak however he was not happy as health staff told him that only those between the age of 19 to 39 years will get the measles vaccine for now.
There are now 15 confirmed cases of measles in Fiji with the latest confirmed case being a 38-year-old from Nasilai Village in Nakelo in the Rewa Subdivision.
The Health Ministry says the Rewa Subdivisional Outbreak Response Team is rapidly responding to notification of this latest case which includes isolation of the case, quarantine and vaccination of contacts and others at risk.
11 of the confirmed measles cases are from the Serua/Namosi Subdivision specifically in Wailali, Wainadoi, Navunikabi and Makosoi in Deuba.
2 confirmed measles cases are from Samabula and Vatuwaqa in the Suva subdivision while 2 other cases are from Koronivia and Nasilai Village in Nakelo in the Rewa subdivision.
The second phase of the measles immunisation campaign has rolled out from today after 200,000 measles vaccines arrived into the country on Sunday.
The Ministry of Health has acknowledged the assistance provided by UNICEF and the Australian and New Zealand governments in securing the vaccines for Fiji.
The Ministry says across Fiji, the immunisation campaign will target any child who has not received 2 doses of a measles vaccine, any child aged 12 and 18 months who is scheduled for their routine measles immunisation, any person in Fiji travelling overseas, all health care workers and all airport and hotel staff.
The Ministry of Health says that in the Central Division only, the current campaign will also target all children aged 6 months to 5 years, all people born between 1980 to 2000 (19 years to 39 years) and all residents of Serua/Namosi aged 6 months and older.
The Central Division is prioritized for this phase of the campaign as all confirmed cases to date are in this Division and the focus remains on containing the current outbreak.
It says the other Divisions will be targeted once more vaccine supplies arrive into the country.
Already close to 100,000 people around the country have been vaccinated in phase one of the immunisation campaign and this includes over 18,000 people in the outbreak area of Serua/Namosi.
The Ministry adds that pregnant women, babies under the age of 6 months, those with a compromised immune system and those with a known allergy to the vaccine should not be vaccinated.
Otago Daily Times apologies for joking about Samoa measles epidemic in cartoon (Wednesday 04/12/2019)
Fiji National Provident Funds Annual Member Forum postponed due to measles outbreak (Wednesday 04/12/2019)
By: Priteshni Nand
The Fiji National Provident Fund’s Annual Member Forum which was scheduled to be held in Suva today has been postponed.
FNPF says this is due to the Health Ministry advising against mass gatherings by the public after the current measles outbreak.
It says they do not have a specific date on when they will be having the forum.
New state of emergency orders declared in Samoa to contain the deadly measles epidemic (Wednesday 04/12/2019)
USP's Foundation Awards Ceremony cancelled (Tuesday 03/12/2019)
By: Rashika Kumar
The University of the South Pacific’s Foundation Awards Ceremony which was supposed to take place this Thursday has been cancelled.
In a statement by USP, this comes after recent advisory on measles issued by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services who have advised the public against mass gathering.
Students will be emailed about when they can collect their certificate from the Student Administrative Services.
People need to take responsibility and get vaccinated for measles - AG (Tuesday 03/12/2019)
By: Dhanjay Deo
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says they have a robust system for measles vaccination and new stock of vaccination has arrived into the country.
While speaking in ABC’s Q&A which was held at USP’s Japan-Pacific ICT Centre last night, Sayed-Khaiyum says about 100,000 people have already been vaccinated.
There are now 15 confirmed cases of measles in Fiji with the latest confirmed case being a 38-year-old from Nasilai Village in Nakelo in the Rewa Subdivision.
The Health Ministry says the Rewa Subdivisional Outbreak Response Team is rapidly responding to notification of this latest case which includes isolation of the case, quarantine and vaccination of contacts and others at risk.
11 of the confirmed measles cases are from the Serua/Namosi Subdivision specifically in Wailali, Wainadoi, Navunikabi and Makosoi in Deuba.
2 confirmed measles cases are from Samabula and Vatuwaqa in the Suva subdivision while 2 other cases are from Koronivia and Nasilai Village in Nakelo in the Rewa subdivision.
Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Alex Hawke says they have an Australian team in Samoa.
He says more than 50 people have died in Samoa and most are children.
Hawke says vaccination rates for measles are too low in the Pacific and they are making vaccines available for the Pacific.
This is the first time ABC’s Q&A was held in the Pacific.
National sporting bodies advised to consider postponing sporting get-togethers due to measles outbreak (Tuesday 03/12/2019)
By: Violet Matakibau
The Fiji National Sports Commission with FASANOC and the Ministry of Sports are calling out to all national sporting bodies to consider postponing any sporting get-togethers due to the measles outbreak in the country.
Commission Chairman Peter Mazey says the commission is determined to put health and safety first after the Ministry of Health issued a release requesting the avoidance of holding or attending large gatherings of people.
Mazey says so far they have had good support from most sporting bodies and thanked the volleyball association for postponing their tournament that was supposed to start from next week.
He adds that they will have joint discussions with the Ministry of Health and all other stakeholders on Friday.
Laaloi Leilua leaves Dubai tournament as 4-week-old daughter contracts measles (Tuesday 03/12/2019)
Measles cases now at 15 with latest case coming out of Rewa (Tuesday 03/12/2019)
Samoan govt to shut down for 2 days to try to combat measles epidemic (Monday 02/12/2019)
Samoa measles epidemic claims another 5 lives (Monday 02/12/2019)
Samoan Government allocates 2.5 million US dollars to help relief work for the measles epidemic (Monday 02/12/2019)
Serua/Namosi Subdivisional Outbreak Response Team at the forefront of response to measles outbreak - Health Ministry (Monday 02/12/2019)
4 more claimed by Samoa's measles epidemic bringing death toll to 48 (Monday 02/12/2019)
200,000 measles vaccines arrives as 2nd phase of immunization campaign set to roll out from Wednesday (Sunday 01/12/2019)
Death toll from measles epidemic in Samoa climbs to 44 (Saturday 30/11/2019)
Health Ministry confirms 2nd phase of measles immunisation campaign to begin next week (Thursday 28/11/2019)
University of Fiji postpones graduation ceremony due to measles outbreak (Thursday 28/11/2019)
Some passengers on Air NZ flight from Fiji to Auckland diagnosed with measles (Thursday 28/11/2019)
2 suspected measles cases come out as negative (Wednesday 27/11/2019)
Measles epidemic brings death toll in Samoa to 32 including 15 children aged between 1 and 4-years-old (Tuesday 26/11/2019)
Death toll from measles epidemic reaches 25 in Samoa (Tuesday 26/11/2019)
13 confirmed measles cases in the country (Tuesday 26/11/2019)
Death toll from measles epidemic reaches 25 in Samoa (Tuesday 26/11/2019)
Thousands of measles vaccines taken without authorization in Samoa and administered for a fee at unregistered clinics (Tuesday 26/11/2019)
Measles cases remains at 10 while there have been suspected cases around the country - Dr Waqainabete (Monday 25/11/2019)
Measles claims 22 people in Samoa (Sunday 24/11/2019)
Samoa's death toll from measles epidemic rises to 20, 202 cases recorded on Thursday 21st (Saturday 23/11/2019)
10 confirmed cases of measles, latest case being a pregnant woman from Samabula (Saturday 23/11/2019)
Fiji Futsal Team was stuck in New Caledonia because players were suspected to have measles symptoms - Dr. Waqainabete (Friday 22/11/2019)
Samoan government warning those discouraging people from getting measles vaccinations to stop immediately (Friday 22/11/2019)
Fiji's measles vaccination in 2018 covered 94% based on World Health Organisation and UNICEF estimates (Friday 22/11/2019)
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
