Ninth measles case prompts alert

Ninth measles case prompts alert

The latest measles case confirmed in Auckland likely signals that the disease is spreading in the community.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service says it’s not too late to get you and your family immunised as it is the only protection against this serious disease.

A total of eight measles cases had been confirmed over the past few weeks related to a flight that arrived in Auckland in January. However, the ninth case confirmed on 30 January suggests that the disease is now circulating in the wider community.

Clinical Director Dr Julia Peters states, “If you haven’t been immunised you are at risk of catching measles, a serious disease that can lead to hospitalisation and rarely death.

“Measles is very easily transmitted from one person to another especially if you haven’t been immunised”.

“If you or your child develop measles you are required to be excluded from work and school until you’re no longer infectious which can be extremely disruptive to work and family life.

“By getting immunised you will not only be protecting yourself or your child – you’ll also be stopping this disease from spreading in our communities.

“I strongly urge parents and families to check that their children’s immunisations are up-to-date. In addition, adults who are unsure whether they are immune should check with their family doctor,” says Dr Peters.
How to protect you and your family against measles
• Make sure your children and family are fully immunised by talking to your GP. It is the best way to provide protection against a number of diseases and complications. Measles can’t be treated once you get it, so the only way to prevent the disease is through immunisation.
• Anyone displaying symptoms should telephone their doctor or call Healthline on 0800 611-116 for advice. It is important to call first because measles is highly infectious and people with measles can infect others in the waiting room.
• Symptoms include fever, cough, runny or blocked nose, sore, red eyes and white spots inside the mouth. After three to five days a rash appears on the head and then moves down the body.

Dr Peters says, “As there is no treatment for measles, the only protection is to get immunised”.

ENDS

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