New team of British medics to tackle measles outbreak in Samoa
The United Kingdom Government confirmed last week that a second UK aid-funded Emergency Medical Team (UK EMT) of 14 British medics has been deployed to Samoa to tackle the deadly measles outbreak and arrived in Samoan on Sunday.
The first team flew out from the UK on 29th November and has been working for two weeks in Samoa to help people suffering from the virus. The second team have replaced this team and will be working 12 hour shifts over Christmas to treat critically ill children in Samoa’s national hospital in Apia.
International Development Secretary Alok Sharma said "I want to thank those British medics in the South Pacific for their dedication, especially at this time of year, for working so hard to tackle this deadly outbreak and treat those who are infected.
The next wave of medics will ensure that patients will continue to be seen over the Christmas period, and that the UK will play our part in stopping more families losing loved ones to this deadly disease."
The Ministry of Health confirms a total of 5,267 measles cases have been reported to the Disease Surveillance Team, since the outbreak started. There were 57 recorded in the last 24 hours.
There are currently 139 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities.
The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 1,684. Of that, 1,472 (87%) patients have been discharged.
To date, 73 measles related deaths have been recorded, with 1 fatality in the last 24 hours.
Becky Platt, paediatric nurse with the first UK Emergency Medical Team in Samoa, said "The medical system here is under the most enormous amount of strain, with the hospital operating far, far beyond its usual capacity. The local staff have been working around the clock for weeks and weeks on end, many of them without proper breaks or any days off. Some of them are absolutely on their knees.
We’ve seen some cases of very, very sick children. Children are dying from the complications of measles."
Stephen Owens, paediatric consultant with the UK Emergency Medical Team, currently in Samoa, said "Almost all of the patients are children under the age of five. It’s great to see this NHS team just click into place here with real professionalism. We will treat as many patients as possible and hopefully save lives"
David Wightwick, UK-Med CEO said "UK-Med and our partners Humanity & Inclusion are glad to have prepared a second team of healthcare professionals to help treat children affected by the measles outbreak in Samoa with funding from UK aid. We’d like to thank our hugely dedicated team members, who have been working around the clock alongside AUSMAT and Samoan colleagues, for their dedication and professionalism.
Thank you to our committed second wave team members for supporting this vital response to help save lives and alleviate suffering of those affected."
Extension to the State of Emergency effective immediately until 12am - 29 Dec 2019.
Orders issued include conditions on:
- PUBLIC GATHERINGS
- INTER ISLAND TRAVEL
- EXAMINATIONS
- OTHER ORDERS
Read full orders: http://facebook.com/samoagovt/
