The number of confirmed or suspected measles cases in Tonga has climbed to 177 with most cases experiencing a mild illness, according to the latest measles outbreak situation report [2] released on 6 November.

Out of the 177 cases, 63 were found to have been vaccinated with 43 having a two-dose history with MR vaccine and 20 having a one dose history. The remaining cases are still waiting for vaccination histories.

Those affected are mainly teenagers from schools on Tongatapu as well as Vava’u and all are linked to the initially imported cases.

The measles outbreak in Tonga started from teenage rugby players who were on tour in New Zealand in September where one player developed the illness.  A further 12 players developed measles on their return to Tonga in October. Two of the players were from Vava’u.

The majority of cases are male, but the outbreak continues to spread among both males and females. 

Since the last report on 28 October, 14 cases reported from Vava’u were in the 15-19 age group. Five are girls and all are linked to Vava’u High School, which is co-educational. Four cases have been reported in infants less than 12 months of age, one case in a two-year-old and two in children aged 5-9 years.

So far, no cases have appeared in the outer islands of ‘Eua, Ha’apai and the Niuas.

Meanwhile, six members of the Tongan Futsal team that travelled to New Caledonia have been affected after one of the players was diagnosed with measles while in New Zealand. Although the player stayed behind in NZ, the rest of the squad continued on to New Caledonia.

The affected players have remained in New Caledonia until the infectious period has passed, while the rest of the squad returned to Tonga on 4 and 5 November. The players in Tonga were quarantined at their homes until 10 November.

Tackling outbreak

Health Officers and District Health Nurses on Tongatapu are continuing to follow-up cases and contacts at home as well as gather vaccination histories.

In addition public health staff have been focussing on schools identifying unwell students and providing health advice to teachers and students.

The report states a total of 1476 doses of MR vaccines have been used in response to the outbreak.

Travellers and touring sporting teams/groups as well as seasonal workers are urged to be vaccinated for measles before departure.

Public Health officials are also consulting with the World Health Organization, UNICEF and experts on issues such as waning immunity and missed vaccination.

Measles is caused by a highly infectious virus that spreads easily from person to person through the air, via breathing, coughing and sneezing. Initial symptoms include, high fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes and small white spots on the inside of the cheeks, followed by a raised, red rash behind the ears, face, upper neck, and spreads over the body.

For enquiries on measles vaccination contact:

Ministry of Health Contacts, Communicable Disease Unit

• Dr Joseph Takai, Phone: 8880495 or 7709537 
• Dr Louise Fonua, Phone: 7779822 

Reproductive Health

• Sister Afu Tei, Phone: 7714623

• Staff Nurse Limisesi Kaivelata, Phone: 7740505 


Related articles: 107 measles cases in Tonga [3], Measles alert for Tonga [4]