Tonga closes schools as measles epidemic spreads

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NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga, Nov 14, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – All government primary schools
and kindergartens in Tonga have been shut in an effort to limit the spread of
measles sweeping through the South Pacific, the government announced
Thursday.

With the number of confirmed and suspected measles infections in the
Pacific kingdom nearing 200, Education Minister Siaosi Sovaleni said schools
would be closed until at least November 25.

“Children who happen to have measles during the closure will be able to be
treated and stay isolated from others,” he said.

A victory parade to celebrate Tonga’s recent historic rugby league wins
over Australia and Great Britain would go ahead Friday, but spectators have
been advised to wear masks, and an opportunity for school children to meet
the players has been cancelled.

In Samoa, where seven suspected measles-related deaths have been recorded,
a measles epidemic has been declared and the government has taken steps to
close all schools.

Neighbouring American Samoa announced a public health emergency Thursday
and Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga said everyone travelling from Tonga and
Samoa to the US territory must provide proof of measles immunisation, as a
condition of entry.

In the tourism-reliant Cook Islands, authorities said there were too many
visitors to screen them all and preparations were under way to deal with a
potential outbreak.

“We are hoping we can hold,” Health Secretary Josephine Aumea Herman told
Radio New Zealand.

Measles is a highly infectious airborne disease that spreads easily through
breathing, coughing, and sneezing. It typically causes a rash, fever and
white spots in the mouth.

More serious complications include blindness, pneumonia, brain damage and
severe dehydration.