There have been two new deaths from measles in the last day as the number of people infected by the disease continues grew by 153 new cases over the same period. 

The two new deaths, according to Government statistics released early on Tuesday afternoon, were both children between the ages of one to four and raise the national death toll to 55. 

The new infections reported to the federal Government brings to 3,881 the total number of people to have caught the virus since the epidemic was declared on October 15.

Those receiving hospital treatment include 18 children in hospital Intensive Care Units; two pregnant women; and two women who recently gave birth at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, the update reveals. 

Some 174 patients receiving in-patient treatment at the national Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital; four at Poutasi District Hospital; 20 at the Leulumoega Rural District Hospital, four at the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital and one at Sataua District Hospital.  

The Government also provided an update on its mass vaccination campaign, which it says has resulted in more than 50,000 immunisations since the initiative began last year. 

New Government figures show total vaccination coverage across Samoa as follows: 

• 67% of infants and children aged 6 months to 4 years old

• 81% of children aged 5 to 19 years old

• 67% of women aged 20 to 35 years old

• 31% of the remaining population in Samoa

Prior to this year’s vaccinations the World Health Organisation had estimated only between 28 and 40 per cent of Samoa’s population had been vaccinated.

The figures come one day after it was announced that all public service agencies, except national utilities, would shut down on Thursday and Friday to enlist public servants in administering the mass vaccination campaign.