Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In an Emergency Declaration released late Monday afternoon, Gov. Lemanu P.S Mauga declared that a public health emergency exists in American Samoa for “measles”, with one-laboratory confirm case and now 31 probable cases.

Dated Apr. 24 and released by the Governor’s Office, the declaration states that the Health Department and ASG are authorized to utilize all necessary powers to contain and prevent the imminent risk of further spread of measles.

Additionally, the ASG’s Emergency Operations Center shall be activated to coordinate response efforts. This Emergency Declaration extends to the entire territory.

According to the declaration, the Health director, “has confirmed that there is an outbreak of Measles in American Samoa, with 1 laboratory confirmed case and 31 suspected/ probable cases, including children under 6 months of age who are hospitalized and ineligible for MMR (Measles) vaccines”.

For schools, the declaration reiterated that all public or private, and American Samoa Community College (ASCC) beginning April 24, 2023 and daycare and childcare facilities beginning April 20, 2023, will be closed for in-person classes and care for three weeks.

Schools will utilize online/distance learning, and all authorities, departments and offices shall support the Department of Education and ASCC to ensure that all students have access to online/distance learning.

Except for schools, the declaration however does not impose any new specific restrictions.

The Declaration, which is effective for 30-days through May 24, includes quarantine measures for persons testing positive for measles. The quarantine period — at home or a designated site — is for up to 21-days.

See tomorrow’s edition for more details from the declaration as well as updates on the outbreak.