Samoa confirms measles epidemic

Samoa's government has confirmed a measles epidemic.

Seven cases had been confirmed, and it said the death of a one-year-old last week was also likely to be because of measles.

Samoa's government said test results back from Australia showed two adults and five children had measles.

They have been treated and discharged.

But it also said the death of a baby last week was "highly suspected" to be because of the highly contagious virus, but tests were still being carried out.

None of them were vaccinated.

The Health Ministry said it anticipated more cases, and a measles epidemic had officially been declared in Samoa.

It urged people to get vaccinated in clinics across the country, and to avoid crowded areas. - Radio New Zealand