News

Measles epidemic brings death toll in Samoa to 70 in the past 24 hours

Measles epidemic brings death toll in Samoa to 70 in the past 24 hours
[Photo: United Nation]

The death toll from Samoa's measles epidemic has reached 70, with two deaths recorded in the past 24 hours.

It's the 13th day the death toll has risen, and children make up almost all of the dead.

Radio NZ reports Samoa's government said on Sunday it had vaccinated around 90 percent of the population.

Still, in the past 24 hours, there were another 112 recorded measles' cases, bringing the total to nearly 4700.

Meanwhile, 159 people remain in hospital, including 16 critically ill children.

The measles vaccine can take about two weeks to provide immunity to the disease.

The government ordered a shutdown of the nation on Thursday and Friday to try to cope with the epidemic.

[Source: Radio NZ]

 

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
LIVE SCORES
Panthers vs Broncos 9:50PM
Sharks vs Knights 8:00PM
Roosters vs Story 10:00PM
France vs Spain 7:00AM
Argentina vs England 7:00AM
Drua Women vs Reds 1:05pm
Western Force vs Waratahs 6:05pm
New Zealand vs Ireland 7:10PM
Japan vs France 8:40PM
Australia vs Italy 10:10PM
No recent scores
Bua 8–13 Macuata Full Time
Yasawa LBD–WBD Vatukoula Full Time
Northland WBD–LBD Ra Full Time
Bua LBD–WBD Taveuni Full Time
Yasawa 61–0 Vatukoula Full Time
Northland 47–42 Ra Full Time