SUVA, Dec 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Samoa’s Ministry of Health confirmed today (Tuesday), two more deaths in the island nation’s measles epidemic, bringing the toll to 55, since the measles outbreak started in Mid-Oct.
According to a government statement today, of the 55 deaths, most are children under four years old, with two fatalities reported in the last 24 hours.
Samoa Ministry of Health said, a total of 3,881 measles cases were recorded to the Disease Surveillance Team so far, with 153 cases reported in the last 24 hours. A total of 174 people are hospitalised.
Samoa is currently in a state of emergency, with all schools closed, a mass vaccination campaign underway and public gatherings in the nation restricted.
On Monday, Samoan Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi urged all Samoans to work together, to deal with the measles epidemic.
The prime minister also announced the closure of public service and all government services, from Thursday to Friday, in order to allow all public servants to assist with the mass vaccination campaign throughout the country.– NNN-AGENCIES
