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Article: Rubella outbreak claims three children in Samoa.
- Article from:
- PAC - Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association
- Article date:
- October 8, 2003
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Asia Pulse Pty Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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08 OCTOBER 2003 APIA (Pacnews) --- A rubella outbreak in Samoa has claimed the lives of three children, prompting New Zealand health authorities to press for children and women of childbearing age in this country to be vaccinated.
The outbreak of rash and fever, which started in Samoa in June, has spread to neighbouring Tokelau.
Samoa will undertake a mass vaccination programme using the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.
Samoan Director-General of Health Dr Eti Enosa said at least three children had died from rubella complications.
Health authorities fear New Zealand's low coverage rates mean another epidemic could take hold in ...