A group of 31 nurses has began a measles immunization campaign in the tsunami affected area in the Solomon Islands.

An outbreak of measles is now threatening villagers in Choiseul and Western Province devastated by a magnitude 8.1 earthquake and tsunami on April 2.

Dozens of people have been killed and thousands left homeless. Choiseul and Western Province are the hardest hit areas.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio on Wednesday quoted United Nations Children's Fund immunization officer Robyn McIntyre as saying that health officials fear the outbreak may spread, as large numbers of displaced people continue living in close quarters in makeshift camps.

She said the nurses will immunize communities and distribute vitamin supplements to reduce the impact of all diseases.

Western Province Premier Alex Lokopio said people remain fearful of returning to coastal areas and rebuilding their homes near the water.

Source: Xinhua