Measles is a highly contagious and potentially deadly airborne disease. Photo: Tom Lee / Stuff
The Samoan government is urging parents and caregivers to get children under two years old immunised against measles amid reports of increasing measles cases in New Zealand and Australia.
In New Zealand, eight cases of measles have been confirmed, and health officials have warned of the risk of an outbreak.
Measles can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, brain infection and even death. Photo: Supplied/ US CDC
According to the World Health Organisation, measles is a highly contagious and potentially deadly airborne disease, particularly for young children. It can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, brain infection and even death.
"The Ministry strongly urges all parents and caregivers to ensure that children under 2 years of age receive their routine measles vaccinations without delay at your nearest health facilities," Samoa's Health Ministry said in a public notice on Monday.
It said two doses of the measles vaccine are required - the first at 12 months and the second at 15 months.
The Ministry added both doses must be completed for full protection.
