Measles outbreaks in the Pacific

Measles is a serious, very infectious disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily from person to person through the air, by breathing, coughing and sneezing. Anyone who hasn’t previously had measles or been vaccinated against it can get the disease.

Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases. It is spread by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact or direct contact with nasal or throat secretions from an infected person. Measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

If a person gets measles, initial symptoms generally appear between one and two weeks after being exposed to the virus. These symptoms include high fever, runny nose and sneezing, cough, red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) and white spots inside the mouth. Three to five days after these initial symptoms a red, blotchy, non-blistering rash will start at the hairline and behind the ears, spreading over the face and then down the body. The rash isn’t itchy.

If you suspect that you or your child may have measles, it is critical that you notify your doctor or health provider and avoid crowds and public spaces to stop the spread of measles.

There is no specific antiviral therapy for measles. Supportive medical care can help relieve symptoms and address complications such as bacterial infections. Children who have been diagnosed with severe forms of measles, such as those who have been hospitalized, should be treated with two doses of vitamin A, given 24 hours apart.

Anyone who hasn’t previously had measles or been vaccinated against measles can get the disease. Young children, unvaccinated pregnant women and individuals with existing medical conditions are at highest risk of measles and its complications, including death.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles. Two doses of measles vaccine are needed to protect against the disease.

Check your and your family’s vaccination records or talk to your health worker today to make sure you and your loved ones are protected. If you are living in an area covered by the measles vaccination campaign, ensure that you follow immunization guidelines issued by local health authorities regarding priority groups for vaccination. It is safe to have the vaccine more than twice. 

Currently Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and American Samoa have declared and are responding to measles outbreaks. Kiribati has three laboratory confirmed cases of measles, which remain under further investigation. The number of new measles cases in the four countries with declared measles outbreaks – American Samoa, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga - is decreasing and the situation is stabilizing.

Measles outbreaks in the Pacific occur in the context of a global surge in measles cases. In today’s highly interconnected world, measles  - one of the world’s most contagious diseases - can spread far and fast anywhere where communities are unvaccinated. The Pacific is no exception, with high levels of mobility between and within Pacific Islands.

WHO is working closely with governments and partners to help bring the outbreaks under control with intensified immunization campaigns targeting those most at risk.

If you’re planning to travel abroad, including to countries where measles is spreading, plan ahead and make sure you’re up to date with your vaccinations. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, get a measles booster shot at least 15 days before departure. It is safe to have the vaccine more than twice. 

The measles vaccine is safe and effective in preventing measles. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects but these are usually minor and temporary, such as a sore arm or mild fever. More serious side effects are possible, but extremely rare. Getting the measles vaccine is much safer than getting measles. The most common side effects of the measles vaccine are:

• Minor pain (from the injection) and/or reaction (swelling, redness);
• Fever;
• Mild rash;

You can help alleviate the pain for your child with paracetamol and warm compress.

Most people can be vaccinated against measles without any problems. However, some people should not receive the vaccine. You should tell your vaccine provider if you fall into the following groups:

• you are moderately or severely ill, with or without fever;
• you have received any other vaccines in the past four weeks;
• you are currently pregnant;
• your immune system is severely weakened;
• you had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of vaccine.

Contact your health worker. You may also wish to link to our Q&A on vaccination: https://www.who.int/vaccines/questions-and-answers