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Yap issues mumps alert
Yap’s Department of Health Services has released a mumps alert travel advisory two months before they are due to host the 9th Micronesian Games in the Federated States of Micronesia in July.
Athletes from Yap are also due to arrive in the CNMI in June as part of the FSM delegation for Saipan’s hosting of the 2018 Oceania Micronesia Athletics Regional Championships. The competition will be from June 14 to 16.
Saipan Tribune tried to get information from the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. if they have any contingency plans in place before the Micronesia Athletics Regional next month and the Micro Games on July 15 to 27. CHCC has yet to respond.
There has already been one confirmed mumps case in Yap that included the outer islands of Falalop and Woleai, with several more individuals suspected of carrying the mumps virus.
It was also learned that Chuuk State, also in FSM, along with Hawaii and the Pacific island nations of New Zealand and Vanuatu, also have similar cases of mumps.
Mumps—whose initial signs include fever, muscle pain, and headache, poor appetite, and feeling exhausted—is one of the common infectious diseases in the Pacific and it is spread through coughing and sneezing.
Antonio Yarobwemal, the CNMI’s chef de mission to the Micronesian Games, has advised national federations that will be sending athletes to Yap to get themselves immunized before they leave.
“Please have your team members that are going to the Micro Games to check the Public Health Immunization to ensure everyone is up-to-date with their shots,” said Yarobwemal.
Yap’s DPH also advised those who are going to attend the Micro Games and would be visiting the islands to make sure they receive immunization to protect them from the mumps virus.
“You should be up-to-date on your routine and recommended vaccinations, including for measles, mumps, and rubella, together with diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio,” said a statement released by Yap DPH.
“You may also want to get vaccines for Hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, and seasonal influenza. Consult your general practitioner for more advice about vaccinations. Remember that some vaccines require some time to take effect and more than one dose may be needed.”
