Cook Islands is well protected against measles, says Secretary of Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.

Bob Williams’ comments come following a report that Western Pacific countries, which includes the Cook Islands, are at risk of measles outbreaks.

Earlier this month, the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed measles cases increased by 255 per cent in the Western Pacific region.

It said cases jumped from just over 1400 in 2022 to more than 5000 in 2023.

Williams said: “The Cook Islands is well protected but we continue to screen to identify anyone who may have not been vaccinated for measles.”

Vaccination uptake for MMR 1 (given at 12 months) and MMR 2 (given at 15 months) in the Cook Islands stands at 95 per cent and 90 per cent, respectively, according to Williams.

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases on earth, spreading easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.

A single person infected with measles can potentially infect 12 to 18 additional people, and the disease can lead to severe complications and death.

However, it is almost entirely preventable through two doses of measles vaccine. From 2000 to 2022, measles vaccinations prevented 57 million measles deaths worldwide.

The WHO said the increase has been caused by gaps in vaccination coverage and disease surveillance, as well as people travelling from countries with outbreaks.

It said declines in vaccination coverage in several Western Pacific countries during the Covid-19 pandemic pose a threat of measles resurgence in the Region in 2024 and 2025.

WHO Western Pacific regional director Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala said the region must not forget the bitter lessons learned from previous measles resurgences.

“Anytime there’s measles in a community, it is a threat. Even countries that have achieved elimination can't relax.

“They have to maintain high coverage of measles vaccination and strong systems for picking up cases that get imported through international travel. Without this, measles transmission can become re-established," he said.

• Additional reporting by RNZ