Tonga's Health Ministry issues measles alert
Quoting Radio New Zealand – 22 October 2019
“Tonga's Ministry of Health has issued a measles alert after 13 members of a school rugby team developed symptoms of the virus after returning from New Zealand.
“Measles is very infectious and symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose, sore and watery 'pink eyes,' and a rash.
“The team were playing in New Zealand in September, Matangi Tonga reports.
“There were 60 boys and eight officials in the group. One of the boys fell sick with the measles while in New Zealand.
“Since their return to Tonga on 1 October, 13 other members of the group developed symptoms of the disease.
“Six of those cases have been confirmed by a laboratory test while another person who was in contact with the players is a suspected case, bringing the total to 15.
“None of the cases were seriously ill, the newspaper reported.
“The Ministry of Health has taken steps to prevent further spread of the virus including isolating current cases at home and conducting vaccinations of contacts.
“The Ministry urged parents to ensure children were vaccinated according to the recommended immunisation schedule.
Chief executive Siale 'Akau'ola said it was "vital that we maintain our high vaccination rate in our ongoing fight against infectious disease".
Copyright @ 2019, Radio New Zealand
