Information for Home Based Care
Government of Samoa
Ministry of Health
Information for Home-Based Care
Tips for looking after the patient at home
- Isolate the sick family member to a room or a specific area in the home.
- Keep young babies (under 6 months) and unvaccinated pregnant women away from the patient and not in the same house.
- Do not share bedding, clothing, food or drinks with those unwell with measles.
- Encourage the patient to rest
- Encourage them to drink plenty of water, niu or fruit juice especially if they have a fever
- Help to reduce the fever with cool sponging and/or Panadol. You can also use lau nonu or lau ti to manage the fever.
- If they are hungry, provide them regular meals
- Breastfeeding mothers should practice exclusive breastfeeding of their infants
Parents and individuals should stay alert for measles Danger Signs – bring the patient to hospital immediately if they are getting worse, especially if they show signs of:
- High Fever (temperature)
- Dehydration (crying with no tears, dark urine or low volume)
- Vomiting
- Fits
- Drowsy or difficulty waking them up
- Not eating or drinking (especially children)
- Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
| *If a person gets measles they do not need to be vaccinated as they will be immune through natural infection. They will be provided life-time protection against the virus. |
General information :
- Encourage other members of your family in the target age group (6 months – 19 years, and non-pregnant women 20 to 35 ) to get their vaccines.
- There are currently 10 fixed sites in Upolu and 5 fixed sites in Savaii for vaccinations (main hospital and health centres), including mobile teams in both Upolu and Savaii
Further Information:
Please contact the National Emergency Operations Centre on 997/911 if you have any further questions or visit the Minsitry of Health website and Facebook page.
