Tonga's Public Health Chief Medical Officer says the Kingdom has declared an official outbreak of measles.
The highly-contagious virus has now spread to the Pacific region from the New Zealand 2019 epidemic, with Tonga following Samoa's recent declaration of an outbreak.
Dr Reynold Ofanoa spoke with Jenny Meyer after announcing the outbreak.
Measles viruses. 3D illustration showing structure of measles virus with surface glycoprotein spikes heamagglutinin-neuraminidase and fusion protein. Photo: 123RF
Meanwhile, New Zealand's government says its aware of the reported cases, and has been in touch with Tongan authorities to make sure they have the resources needed to respond well.
Tonga has over 95 percent immunity coverage and Dr Ofanoa says that gives him confidence the epidemic will not be too severe there.
