Australian doctors are helping Samoan health authorities battle a measles epidemic that has so far claimed 32 lives and is “definitely still continuing to rise”.

Six doctors are among an Australian medical team of 29 sent to the Samoan capital, Apia, to set up a temporary eight-bed critical care unit, and work with local and international medical staff to curb the epidemic.

On 15 November, the Government of Samoa declared a state of emergency in response to the growing numbers infected.

At least 32 deaths have been confirmed, mostly children under four, and 2400 cases recorded in the Pacific nation.