Health Ministry Working To Prevent Measles Epidemic from Reaching Us

The Ministry of Health is taking all steps necessary to ensure the measles epidemic sweeping the region does not enter the country.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said this was one of the reasons why the Fiji Futsal team was told to wait in New Caledonia after their tournament finished a few days ago.

He said the Fiji team had come into contact with Tongans. Some players in the Tongan team are believed to have contracted the disease.

“There had been discussions between the Ministry of Health, our health protection team and the Fiji Football Association,” Dr Waqainabete said.

“As you are aware there is a measles outbreak happening in the region and we have provided the necessary advice.

“Our aim is to follow the guidelines that are in place, we are trying as much as possible not to have a measles outbreak in Fiji.”

Dr Waqainabete said people in Fiji are immunised against measles, but certain people are more vulnerable.

“We have seen the effects that has been happening in other countries across the Pacific, the advisory that has been issued, that any one who has been to a country where there is a measles outbreak or someone who has come into contact with anyone who has measles, is to have another vaccination,” he said.

“Whilst we believe that there was immunity, we are also cautious that there maybe vulnerable groups within the population. It is important that we are protected.”

Fiji already had a case of measles brought from abroad. Dr Waqainabete confirmed that a former Fijian national inbound from New Zealand had shown measles-type symptoms.

He said this happened two months ago and the Ministry of Health ensured the spread of the disease was stopped.

For the Fiji Futsal team, conformity tests are being done at the moment.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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