Eight confirmed cases of measles have been recorded by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. Dr James Fong said the ministry had initiated an immediate containment response after these cases of measles were identified in the country.

The permanent secretary said the containment response includes the management and isolation of confirmed cases, home quarantine of immediate family members and contact tracing.

He said the ministry had detected cases of measles in Rewa, Nasinu and Labasa.

“Vaccination is an essential response to an outbreak of measles. The ministry is immediately embarking on a supplementary immunisation campaign to protect high-risk groups who may not have immunity to measles and stop the outbreak from spreading beyond the current subdivisions,” Dr Fong said.

“All children around Fiji who have turned one, to the age of students in Year Six who are yet to receive their measles vaccines are encouraged to turn up to their nearest health facility for their vaccination.”

The ministry will continue to evaluate target age groups for the measles vaccination depending on new cases confirmed and their age groups. A plan of action is in place for the respective medical sub-divisions.

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