Samoan Measles Outbreak

The Pacific Island of Samoa is currently experiencing a measles epidemic, with the country issuing a state of emergency on the 15th of November. On the 2nd of December, the Samoan Government announced its plans for mass vaccinations and the closing of public spaces in an effort to stop the spread. The majority of cases have affected children under the age of four, with the current death toll standing at 70 as of the 10th of December, according to Al Jazeera. Public anger is mounting at the perceived predictability of the epidemic.

As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, Samoa’s vulnerability to the outbreak can be attributed to the reduction in immunizations, with WHO statistics reporting the vaccine coverage is at its lowest. A recent survey conducted by the WHO and UNICEF, reports that vaccination rates in Samoa cover just 31% of children, compared to the global average of 69%. Helen Petousis-Harris, an immunologist from Auckland, said the mass vaccination program may limit the number of cases and reduce future fatalities.

In response to the outbreak, UNICEF has deployed staff to assist the government’s immunization strategy by delivering over 100,000 vaccines. Further to the state of emergency issued by the Government of Samoa, President Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi announced a government shutdown with current staff redirected to assist in the mass vaccination campaign. Despite the response of the Samoan Government in addressing the epidemic, the concern should be raised at the predictability for this outbreak to occur. Immunization Advisory Centre director, Nikki Turner, has said the historic low immunization of young Pacific people has left an immunity gap across the population.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, remaining a prominent cause of death among children, despite there being a safe and effective vaccine available. The disease can be transmitted via droplets from the mouth, nose or throat of the infected. Symptoms include a fever, runny nose, bloodshot eyes and white spots inside the mouth. After the disease had progressed, a rash may appear and spread over the body, and in some cases may cause death. Officials have blamed the dramatic reduction in immunization on the death of two children in 2018, following an incorrect vaccine mixture being administered. The country’s immunization program was temporarily suspended, and impacted parents trust in the vaccine. Before the tragedy, Samoa’s immunization rates were much higher and the likelihood of an outbreak would have been significantly reduced. Director of WHO’s immunization department, Kate O’Brien, has said that just four years ago, the immunization rate measured at 84%.

The measles outbreak has resulted in public anger toward the government for failing to prevent the epidemic, despite its predictability. It is crucial that the government addresses these concerns, to prevent public anger from turning violent. The death of the victims adds to the growing unrest and has the potential to act as another catalyst toward a possible outbreak of violence. The commendable efforts of UNICEF and WHO in providing thousands of vaccinations is not enough to extinguish the anger and unrest among the population.

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