The ongoing measles outbreak in Fiji has recently spread to other South Pacific islands. On July 4, 2022, The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services issued a measles health alert.
Measles vaccination coverage throughout the Solomon Islands is currently about 40%, far below the WHO’s suggested minimum level.
There is no specific treatment for measles, but it can be prevented with safe U.S. FDA-approved vaccines.
‘Parents and guardians are therefore strongly urged to review their children’s vaccination status … and get their measles and rubella vaccination if needed.’
‘Measles is a highly contagious, serious, airborne disease caused by a virus, which is spread through the air and direct contact. The virus infects the respiratory tract and spreads throughout the body.’
Previously, Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services initiated an immediate containment response on July 2, 2022, after six measles cases were identified.
Local media reported two measles cases in Labasa, three in Rewa, and one in Nasinu.
In response, the Fiji Ministry immediately launched a supplementary immunization campaign for measles under-vaccinated individuals.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services provides measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines free to children from one year old.
This new outbreak indicates Fiji’s lingering measles challenge may have become ‘endemic.’
In November 2019, a measles outbreak was declared, with about 30 cases centered in the Serua / Namosi provinces.
In January 2020, that measles outbreak was declared over, with around 328,000 people in Fiji immunized against measles.
As of July 10, 2022, the U.S. CDC had not issued a Travel Advisory regarding the measles outbreaks in Fiji or the Solomon Islands.
However, the CDC does suggest confirming your immunization status with a certified travel vaccine provider at least one month before international travel.
In the USA, several measles vaccine options are offered by most pharmacies.
Note: This information was manually curated for international travelers.
