Samoa's government is warning those trying to discourage people from getting measles vaccinations to stop immediately.

The country is under a state of emergency as it tries to contain the epidemic, which has so far killed at least 16 people.

Under the state of emergency, a compulsory vaccination programme is underway.

In a statement, the government said that under the emergency declaration it is illegal to discourage or prevent people from getting immunised.

[Source; Radio NZ ]