Measles Outbreak in American Samoa: The Importance of Vaccination and Public Health Measures

The small US territory of American Samoa has declared a public health emergency due to a recent measles outbreak. The Department of Health has reported 32 confirmed and probable cases, with one laboratory-confirmed case in an 8-year-old child and 31 suspected or probable cases in children aged between 2 months and 13 years.

Source: Good Morning America/Youtube

In response, the American Samoa government has ordered those infected with measles to isolate for 21 days. Furthermore, anyone who has been exposed or may have been exposed must quarantine for up to 21 days. This public health emergency declaration, signed by Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga, is set to last for 30 days, expiring on May 24.

The outbreak has prompted the Department of Education in American Samoa to close all schools until May 12, affecting 12,000 students. In the meantime, parents can collect their children’s virtual learning packets and eligible meals from their respective schools.

This is not the first time the region has experienced a measles outbreak. In 2019, a measles outbreak swept across the Pacific, affecting American Samoa and the nation of Samoa. American Samoa reported 12 measles cases and no deaths, while Samoa experienced more than 5,700 cases and 83 deaths, primarily in children under five years old.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF attributed the 2019 outbreak to a decline in measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage from 74 percent to 34 percent between 2017 and 2018. This decrease followed two infant deaths related to improperly prepared vaccines, leading to vaccine hesitancy.

Measles is highly contagious, with the CDC stating that an infected individual can spread the virus to up to 10 close contacts if they are unprotected. Complications from measles can range from mild, such as rashes, to severe, including viral sepsis, pneumonia, or brain swelling.

The CDC advises that anyone who has had measles or received two doses of the MMR vaccine is protected against the virus. A single dose is 93 percent effective at preventing infection, while two doses are 97 percent effective. Children should receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months old and their second dose between 4 and 6 years old.

As of April 22, 89 percent of American Samoa’s students in daycares, elementary schools, and high schools have received both doses of the MMR vaccine. Local health authorities aim to achieve at least 95 percent coverage among all school-age children. This outbreak highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and implementing public health measures to protect communities from infectious diseases.

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