22 Apr 2008

American Samoa concern over measles among teens

1:46 pm on 22 April 2008

The Chief of Pediatrics at the LBJ Hospital in American Samoa is concerned about the number of older children who have come down with measles.

Fuata Dr Iatala says measles is usually confined to children under ten but they've seen a significant number of children in their early teens, who are contracting measles.

These include those who have already had measles, mumps and rubella shots.

Dr Iatala says what they are afraid of is a new strain of measles developing.

The pediatrician hopes to discuss with Public Health officials why older children are catching measles and decide how to combat this.