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No measles deaths for past five days in Samoa

Measles epidemic logo
Source: RNZI

Apia, SAMOA — The Samoa Ministry of Health, in a statement, says there have now been five days without any deaths from measles.

The death toll since the epidemic began in October is 81.

Meanwhile the government announced on Saturday it had cancelled the state of emergency it issued six weeks ago.

The government says it'd approved a state of recovery to begin immediately, with a plan expected for the cabinet's consideration in two weeks.

The Ministry of Health said there had now been 5,667 measles cases reported since the outbreak started, with an additional 12 in the past 24 hours.

45 people remain in hospital, including nine critically ill children and one adult in intensive care.

The hospital admissions also include two pregnant women.

The minsitry said that as of 28 December, approximately 95 percent of all eligible people in Samoa had been vaccinated against measles.

New Zealand's response

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the cancellation of the State of Emergency reflects the hard work done by Samoa, New Zealand and international partners who have supported the response to the measles outbreak.

MFAT says New Zealand's support will continue, with personnel from the Pasifika Medical Association remaining in Samoa until the end of January.