SSCE VCE Biology Immunity and Disease Response: Measles in Samoa
Measles is one

Question

Measles in Samoa
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses affecting humans. Measles spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and the virus is breathed in by another person, or by direct contact with bodily fluids. In a susceptible population – people who have neither been vaccinated nor had measles previously – one person with measles could infect 12 to 18 other people.

The Pacific island nation of Samoa had a significant measles outbreak in 2019. This started when a person who had measles arrived in Samoa by plane in August 2019. In the following months over 5000 measles cases were recorded and more than 70 people died.

A measles outbreak was declared by the Samoan Government in October 2019. On 15 November the Samoan Government declared a 30-day state of emergency as the number of measles cases continued to rise and more people died. Ninety percent of the deaths were among children less than five years old. More than one in five Samoan babies aged six to 11 months contracted measles during this outbreak and more than one in 150 babies in this age group died. Fewer deaths occurred in babies who were less than six months old.

Prior to the measles outbreak in Samoa, the vaccination rate for measles for five-year-old children in the country had fallen to 31% in 2018. One of the responses to the outbreak was that a mandatory vaccination program for all people. By early December 2019 over 90% of the population had been vaccinated.

A measles-containing vaccine (MMR vaccine) is recommended for children aged 12 months and older. A single dose of the measles vaccine provides protection for between 95% and 98% of vaccinated individuals. In 2018 in Australia, 93% of children were fully vaccinated.

Reference: K Gibney, 'Measles in Samoa: How I am still learning the signs of an outbreak disaster'. The Conversation, 12 December 2019. https://theconversation.com/au/

Is the measles outbreak discussed in the article best described as an epidemic or a pandemic? Give your reasoning.

Describe the age of students less likely to die from measles versus the measles outbreak. Of this age group, what are two reasons they may not die from measles? Explain why children under six months of age are less likely to die from this disease.

Measles in Samoa Measles is one of the most contagious viruses affecting humans - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 10 - 2020 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Measles in Samoa Measles is one of the most contagious viruses affecting humans - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 10 - 2020 - Paper 1

Is the measles outbreak discussed in the article best described as an epidemic or a pandemic? Give your reasoning.

Describe the age of students less likely to die from measles versus the measles outbreak. Of this age group, what are two reasons they may not die from measles?

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