Marshalls On Alert Following Measles Outbreak In Kosrae MAJURO, Marshall Islands (Marianas Variety, May 26, 2014) — Health authorities here are concerned about an outbreak of measles in Kosrae, an island state in neighboring Federated States of Micronesia. Marshalls Secretary of Health Julia Alfred issued a “warning” Friday for the public to be aware “that measles is in our region.” Federated States of Micronesia Director of Health Services Livinson Taulung issued a notice earlier to regional health authorities confirming that two of three suspected cases have been confirmed as measles (rubella). All are male infants under one year of age in Kosrae. Kosrae health officials sent serum specimens from the three infants to the Guam Public Health Laboratory, which confirmed two of three as rubella. Kosrae officials launched contact tracing in an effort to determine the source of the measles and possible spread. Kosrae officials said they were considering a measles vaccination campaign and checking school children to ensure they are up to date on immunizations. “Measles is highly contagious and Kosrae is just around the corner,” said Ministry of Health Public Health Administrator Mailynn Konelios-Langinlur to health officials on Majuro and Kwajalein. She notified “all physicians and nurses to be on high alert.” Kosrae has a population of about 8,000 people and is one of four states in the Federated States of Micronesia. It is about 580 miles southwest of Majuro. The two islands are linked by United Airlines, which flies an “island hopper” service connecting Honolulu and Guam with Majuro, Kwajalein, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk.
Posted on: Tue, 27 May 2014 03:06:41 +0000
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