In the small island nation of Samoa, the competent authorities on Thursday and Friday a great effort against mæslingeudbrud.

Families in Samoa with members who have not yet been vaccinated against measles, have been asked to put a red flag up in front of their home.

It happens in the context of an action against a serious mæslingeudbrud.

the Outbreak has so far claimed the lives of 60 people. The vast majority of the dead are children - including 52 children under four years of age.

It shows the latest official figures on Wednesday.

The small island in the Pacific, has about 200.000 inhabitants.

on Thursday and Friday put the country's authorities started a big campaign to get the vaccinated population. Among other things, closes a large number of public authorities, so that public employees can contribute to their efforts.

Samoa has declared a state of emergency as a result of the outbreak. It also means that it has become mandatory to get a vaccine against measles.

- the Public are advised hereby to showcase a red dress or red flag in front of their home and near the road to indicate that there are family members who have not been vaccinated.

- The red circle makes it easier for teams to identify the home, where there is a need for vaccines, says in a public notice.

New figures from the Wednesday show that 171 people have been infected with measles the past day in Samoa. Thus a total of 4052 been infected.

the Vaccinations in Samoa has in recent weeks been primarily addressed to children. However, the government has chosen to extend the vaccination programme to include the entire population.

It is reported that 55 percent of the population now is immune to measles. This is an increase from 30 percent before the outbreak.

Samoa located in the Pacific ocean about midway between New Zealand and Hawaii.

/ritzau/AFP