THERE are now seven confirmed cases of measles from the Serua/Namosi subdivision, the Ministry of Health has reported.
The latest confirmed cases are a seven-month-old from Wainadoi, a three-month-old from Wainadoi, and a 19-year-old from Navunikabi in Namosi.
There are two more suspected cases in Navunikabi.
The ministry stated that the seven-month-old and three-month-old babies were presently admitted under isolation at Navua hospital.
“The Serua/Namosi Outbreak Response Team has implemented response measures – including isolation of the cases, quarantine and vaccination of contacts and at risk communities,” the ministry said in a statement issued this morning.
Last Sunday, the ministry quarantined a Tongan sporting team and their scheduled games cancelled pending testing results after a suspected case was identified within the team.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services states that to control this outbreak, it is important that those at the highest risk of catching and spreading the disease first are protected.
“Current vaccination stocks are not unlimited and should be used for our most vulnerable groups who are most likely to catch and spread the disease. This will help protect everyone else, especially those that cannot get the vaccine-like babies under the age of six months,” the ministry stated.
“Replacement vaccine stocks are on their way to cover more people. In the meantime, the public is asked for patience and to allow high-risk groups to be vaccinated first.”
The free measles vaccine is presently limited to four groups who are most at risk of contracting measles, and these are:
1. Any child in Fiji who has not received two doses of measles vaccine. If you’re unsure visit your nearest health centre with your child’s health record for it to be checked by a health care worker. They will be immunised on the spot if needed;
2. Anyone who resides in Serua/Namosi and is over six months of age is urgently advised to receive a dose of the measles vaccine regardless of prior vaccination status if they have not done so already;
3. Anyone who intends on travelling into Serua/Namosi is urged to get vaccinated at least two weeks before travel. The vaccine is available from any health centre in Fiji; and
4. Anyone who intends to travel overseas and is over six months of age is advised to get a measles vaccine prior to travel from their nearest health centre.
The ministry stated that the only exceptions to those in the above groups were pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems, and those with a known allergy to the vaccine.
