AFP November 18 reported that Samoa had declared a state of emergency due to the spread of measles. It has killed at least 6 people and mor...

AFP November 18 reported that Samoa had declared a state of emergency due to the spread of measles. It has killed at least 6 people and more than 700 cases of measles.
Samoa also closed all schools and banned people from gathering in public places to prevent the spread of measles.
The island nation in the middle of the Pacific on November 18 also announced a mandatory measles vaccination program for people in an effort to control the disease.

"Vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella is now mandatory for all people who have not been vaccinated against this disease in Samoa," the Samoa government said.
A national emergency response center to coordinate measles response activities has been put into operation. Immunization is recommended for children aged 6 months to 19 years and for non-pregnant women aged 20-35 years old.
Ms. Phoenix