Less than 40 per cent of children in Bermuda are vaccinated for measles with the island as a whole falling well short of recommended levels, the health minster said yesterday.

Kim Wilson also revealed that after two confirmed measles cases, the Government was stepping up its efforts to boost vaccination and would develop a targeted immunisation strategy.

Addressing MPs in the House of Assembly, Ms Wilson said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the affected individuals and their families who received treatment at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and are now at home.

“We wish them a swift and full recovery.”

She said after the cases were confirmed, the health department implemented an action plan to stop measles spreading.

The public health team launched a “comprehensive contact tracing exercise to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the affected cases”.

“Those identified are being monitored and, where appropriate, offered post-exposure preventive treatment,” said Ms Wilson.

“Where relevant, those persons have been excluded from school and workplaces, and we urge those persons to heed the advice of the Ministry of Health.”

She added: “These measures are vital to reduce the spread of this disease and protect your fellow family, friends and neighbours.”

A campaign to provide guidance on symptoms, prevention measures and what to do if exposed has been launched, said Ms Wilson.

Officials are also working with healthcare professionals to ensure rapid identification, testing and isolation of any suspected cases.

The minister added: “We are boosting vaccination drives for the public, we are renewing efforts to offer the life-saving measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in the community.

“Vaccination clinics have been boosted and expanded to ensure all eligible residents, particularly children and unvaccinated adults, can access the vaccine.

“For those who may have missed a dose or want to catch up on their immunisation, vaccines are available to all eligible children and adults at the Hamilton Health Centre and private doctors’ offices.”

She said: “While measles is preventable through vaccination, it is critical that we remain vigilant.

“Current statistics show that Bermuda has fallen well below the World Health Organisation’s recommended rate of 95 per cent, which is required to achieve herd immunity and eliminate measles.

“Vaccination rates for children, who are most susceptible, sit at less than 40 per cent.

“The outcomes if measles is contracted can be dangerous with severe complications, such as blindness, diarrhoea and breathing problems from pneumonia, which may result in hospital admission.

“Complications are most common for babies and young children under five years old.

“I encourage all residents to verify their vaccination status and ensure they are up to date.

“A reminder to all that once you have had the MMR vaccination against measles, you do not need to do this again.

“If you are unsure of your vaccination status, please contact your healthcare provider.

“It is important to protect our communities to prevent the spread of easily preventable diseases, like measles.”

Ms Wilson told the House: “To increase immunisation rates, the ministry will be looking to develop a targeted immunisation strategy in the new year.

“Bermuda has faced public health challenges before, and together, as a community, we will look after each other to manage this one.

“The Ministry of Health will continue to provide regular updates and guidance as this situation evolves.”

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UPDATE ON MEASLES EXPOSURE.pdf

• To read the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media