18 January, 2026, 9:08 pm Central - 25°C Rain

Measles epidemic sweeping Samoa brings death toll to 80

Measles epidemic sweeping Samoa brings death toll to 80

By Violet Matakibau
26/12/2019
[Photo:RNZ]

An 80th person is confirmed to have died in the last 24 hours in the measles epidemic sweeping Samoa.

According to the Samoan government's emergency operation centre, there have been 5600 cases reported since the outbreak in the island nation, which has a population under 200,000.

Radio NZ reports the latest person to lose their life was 43 years old.

Twenty-three new cases of measles have been recorded in the past 24 hours, and nine people are still considered to be critically ill in hospital, eight of them children.

As of Christmas Eve, some 95% of Samoa's eligible population have been vaccinated against measles.

FEATURE NEWS
Residents question why yachts near Vatia are not being checked
Concern has been raised by residents living in the Vatia area between Tavua and Ba regarding the drugs that were found on Friday.This has raised quest...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Alleged offenders still on the run two days after daylight shooting
Two days after a man was shot in a targeted daylight attack in Onehunga Auckland, police still have not arrested the people responsible.Police found ...
4 hours ago

$25,000 Government-funded bridge improves safety in Tarukua Village, Cicia
A $25,000 Government-funded bridge and footpath has improved access and safety for residents of Tarukua Village on Cicia Island, Lau. For years, ...
4 hours ago

New gym to be established at Navosa Central College
Navosa Central College is set to receive a new gym facility aimed at supporting local youth, promoting fitness, and strengthening community ...
4 hours ago

Canada targets 50 percent increase in trade with Fiji
Two-way trade between Fiji and Canada, currently valued at more than $50 million, is expected to grow significantly following the opening of the new ...
4 hours ago

Starlink satellite kits boost education, health and safety in Lau Islands
Improved digital connectivity is beginning to transform life on Lakeba Island and Fulaga Island in Lau, with students among those benefiting from ...
5 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Electricity tariff increase for users consuming more than 100 units
There is an increase in the electricity tariff rate for consumers using more than 100 units from 1 January next year.Fijian Competition and Consumer ...
16 days ago

Fiji needs to act on human trafficking indicators associated with Grace Road Group
The United States remains deeply concerned about indicators of trans-national organised crime and human trafficking in Fiji associated with the Grace ...
27 days ago

Cheap seed oils are not good for our health - O'Neill
With over 80 percent of deaths in Fiji caused by cardiovascular disease based on the 2011 report, naturopath and nutritionist Barbara O’Neill is ...
27 days ago

TOP