A 36-year-old from Makosoi, Deuba, is the latest case of measles, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services confirmed yesterday.

This takes the number of confirmed cases in the country to 14.

Again, the ministry is strongly advising against non-essential travel to Serua/Namosi area. This includes, but is not limited to, the areas of Wainadoi, Nabukavesi, Namosi, Navua, and Deuba.

The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, advises against large gatherings, especially in the Central Division and also those who bring participants from across the country or overseas such as youth camps, religious gatherings, graduation ceremonies, and sporting events.

“Measles can spread very easily among large groups of people if they are not immune, who can then take the disease back into their communities,” the minister said.

Yesterday, Dr Waqainabete visited the families of the five confirmed cases of measles at their home in Wainadoi.

Angelo Morris, 6, and four-month-old Iowane Ravuama, were part of the three initially found to have contracted measles. To date, all except for two of the confirmed cases are from or are linked to the Serua/Namosi Subdivision.

Dr Waqainabete commended the work of his health officials for going out of their way to help every Fijian.

The outbreak has forced the University of Fiji, the Fiji National University (FNU) and the University of the South Pacific Samoa Campus (USP) to cancel their December graduations.

The Real Estate Agents Licensing Board has also cancelled its annual conference.

Currently, the free vaccine is only available to children as per the routine national immunisation schedule and residents of Serua/Namosi.

New vaccines have arrived from Denmark and the ministry is planning a mass vaccination in the coming weeks.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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