Results for Health

A low number of 16 new measles cases occurred in the last week, according to a Tonga situation report issued on 2 January 2020. This brings the total number of confirmed or suspected measles cases to 612 since the outbreak began in October 2019 with around 96% estimated to have recovered.

Only one baby was born on New Year’s Day, welcoming the new decade, on Tongatapu at Vaiola Hospital. Siokatame Mataele Po‘oi made his entrance into the world at 11:24am.

The number of people contracting measles has started to decline with fewer new cases being reported. The Ministry of Health said 14 new measles cases were reported this past week, with 10 from Tongatapu and 4 from Vava‘u. This is much less than the 37 new measles cases reported two weeks ago and 46 the week prior. A total of 18,431 vaccinations have been administered as of 13 December.

The Ministry of Health said 440 people had been confirmed or suspected to have contracted measles in the current outbreak, from October 1 to December 2 in Tonga. However, it is estimated that at least 70% have already recovered.

Access to quality drinking water in Tonga depends on where you live, and what you can afford. A new laboratory to be opened on December 12 will help Public Health inspectors assess the quality of drinking water, particularly from village supplies.

Tonga’s high MR vaccination rate of 99 percent has so far saved Tongans from rising measles related fatalities that neighbouring Samoa is experiencing, as health professionals continue to fight the epidemic. By Eleanor Gee.

Tragedy in Samoa continues as its Government yesterday confirmed the deaths of 16 people from the deadly disease, mostly young children. The impact of the disease is being blamed on Samoa’s low vaccination coverage. One family was reported losing three children in the space of two weeks

The threat that climate change poses to global health is the theme of an annual conference being held by New Zealand’s Otago Global Health in Wellington, New Zealand this week 6 – 7 November. Pacific research will be the focus of the conference.

Tonga's Ministry of Health today issued a Measles Alert after 13 members of a Tongan school rugby team developed measles after returning from New Zealand this month. Measles is a highly infectious disease and the public is urged to be vigilant for symptoms and to get immunized, especially if they are traveling overseas.