Samoa makes measles vaccinations compulsory after outbreak kills 32

Samoa has declared a state of emergency over its measles outbreak and a mass immunisation campaign is underway. 

According to health authorities in Samoa, the death toll from a measles epidemic has cost the lives of 32 people. Most of the victims were aged under 4, 3 people aged between 10-19 have died and one adult aged in their 30's. The total number of reported measles case has soared to over 2400. 

ABC: Samoa makes measles vaccinations compulsory after outbreak kills 32.


New reference page: G6PD and vaccines

G6PD deficiency is a genetic disorder in which the body does not have enough of an enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase. If you are G6PD deficient, prevention of infection is important. Read more about G6PD and vaccines on our G6PD reference page


Why vaccination against polio is important

A Nigerian father who opposed vaccinations prior to his son contracting polio now campaigns for vaccines, lending his support and voice to local health workers. 
 
 
The PAEDS (Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance) network funded by the Australian Government Department of Health monitors childhood conditions of public health importance. One of the current childhood conditions being monitored is Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP), a condition causing paralysis and loss of tone in one or more limbs, which can be caused by the polio virus. Find out more about the PAEDS network on our PAEDS reference page

Studies show measles more dangerous than doctors realised

Two recent studies published by British and American researchers indicate that contracting measles is even more dangerous than doctors had realised, with findings suggesting that the measles virus destroys immunity that the victim has acquired to other diseases. 

ABC News: Measles more dangerous than doctors realised, destroying the immune system's memory