A measles outbreak has been declared in Papua New Guinea, affecting the provinces of New Ireland and East Sepik. Since January, 108 suspected cases of measles or rubella have been investigated in eight provinces, with 3 laboratory-confirmed, 77 negative, and 29 pending.
No epidemiological link has been identified between the cases in New Ireland and East Sepik. Vaccination campaigns, active case finding, contact tracing, and community communication activities have been initiated. The red alert remains in effect.
