Acting Gov issued amended measles declaration on Monday

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Acting Governor, Talauega E. V. Ale, issued on Monday the first-amendment to the initial Measles Emergency Declaration — dated Apr. 24 — and it reflects that public and private schools as well as the American Samoa Community re-opened classroom instructions on Monday this week.

“American Samoa continues to adapt our response to the measles outbreak,” the amended declaration says.

It details that the Health director had confirmed an outbreak of Measles in American Samoa, with 2 laboratory-confirmed cases and 52 suspected/probable cases.

It states that vaccination coverage has increased to 97.2% in elementary schools and 97.9% in high schools “but is 84.9% in early childhood education and 52.9% in daycare centers.”

And, “after peaks of new suspected/ probable cases on April 21 and April 24, the rate of new suspected cases has dropped despite active ongoing surveillance,” according to the amended declaration, noting that “lab confirmation has returned 26 results that were negative for measles.”

It also says that the Health Department has on-hand 5,889 pediatric doses and 2000 adult doses of the vaccine. And DoH in coordination with other agencies is capable of controlling and containing the spread of measles in American Samoa.

For schools, the amended declaration states that all public and private elementary schools, high schools and colleges may re-open for in-person classes starting May 01.

“All students, teachers and support staff attending in-person learning, must be fully vaccinated with the MMR Vaccine,” the amended declaration said, with a footnote which explains that, "full vaccination" means that the person has received two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days — based on U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

“If required, schools will utilize online/ distance learning, and all authorities, departments and offices shall support the Department of Education to ensure that students, when required, have access to online/distance learning,” it says.

All other provisions of the original declaration issued Apr. 24 remain in effect and the amended declaration expires May 24.

Meanwhile, DoH said all of its clinics are open for measles vaccination. And the public is reminded that face masks are required to be worn at the clinics.

“Measles can spread quickly and easily. Make sure you take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones, including getting vaccinated, wearing a mask and washing your hands frequently,” said DoH.

Call DoH command post 219 for more information.