Six measles-related deaths have occurred in the last 24 hours bringing the total death toll of the epidemic to 39.

The rise comes following almost 500 cases being recorded since Tuesday; 249 on Wednesday and 250 in the last 24 hours.

That makes a total of 2,936 cases reported to the Ministry of Health's Disease Surveillance team

Hospitals are currently treating 190 patients with measles, 156 of which are in Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital. 

That number includes 21 critically ill children in intensive care, and four pregnant women.

Of the 849 hospitalised people throughout this epidemic, the Government reports 620 patients have been discharged. The lasting impact of measles on these patients is not yet known.

Since the mass vaccination campaign began on November 20, at least 44,907 people have been vaccinated; 34,456 in Upolu and 10,451 in Savai’i.

This is in addition to the 32,743 vaccinated before the State of Emergency was declared. 

That is approximately 39 per cent of the population (based on estimates of 200,000 people).