Measles outbreak in Hastings

8 April 2011

Measles outbreak in Hastings

Parents are urged to make sure their children are up-to-date with their childhood vaccinations following six confirmed cases of English Measles in children in Hastings.

Medical Officer of Health Caroline McElnay said measles can make people very sick, is highly infectious and can be spread by breathing, sneezing and coughing. Measles patients can also suffer from complications such as ear infection, pneumonia or diarrhoea and although rare it can cause serious diseases such as brain inflammation.

Two of the cases were linked to confirmed cases in Auckland with the remaining four cases secondary to the Hastings cases.

Dr McElnay also advised adults who were born after 1969 to check with their GP as they may also not be immune.

English Measles is a virus infection which starts with red eyes, runny nose, cough and fever. After a few days a skin rash develops.

People who have not been immunised are more likely to catch the disease and pass it on to others.

Anyone over the age of one year, who was born after 1969 and who has not had two doses of measles vaccine in the past is eligible for free measles immunisation.

Dr McElnay said while Hawke’s Bay had very good rates of immunisation amongst pre school children, older children and adults may not be up-to-date with the measles vaccine.
ENDS

Q&A
What is measles?
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that may have serious complications.
The first symptoms are fever, cough, runny nose and sore red eyes. A red blotchy rash appears on the 2nd to 4th day of illness, starting on the face and spreading down the body.
In the past, measles infection was very common in childhood.

How is measles spread?
Measles is highly infectious and is spread from person to person through the air by sneezing or coughing. Just being in the same room as someone with measles for as little as an hour can result in infection.
A person with measles is infectious from a day before the symptoms begin until 4 days after the rash appears. The time from exposure to becoming sick is usually about 10 days but can be up to 21 days.

Who is at risk?
Anyone who comes in contact with measles during the infectious phase and has not been infected with measles in the past, or has not received two doses of vaccine, is at risk of measles infection.
Anyone with a weakened immune system (for example, people who are receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer or people who take high-dose steroid medications) is at risk of measles infection.
If it is less than three days since you came into contact with measles, immunisation can prevent infection.

What do I do if I or my child develops symptoms of measles?
Remain at home to reduce the possibility of spreading it to other people.
See your family doctor as soon as possible so that the diagnosis can be confirmed. However, phone ahead to alert your family doctor to allow them to make arrangements to assess you/your child safely and without infecting other people.
There is no specific treatment for measles. Supportive treatment includes rest, plenty of fluids, and paracetamol for fever.
Seek medical help if you think your/your child’s condition is getting worse.

How is it prevented?
While a person is infectious with measles (i.e. up to 5 days before and 4 days after the onset of the rash) it is important that they remain at home to reduce the possibility of spread to other people.
The best protection against measles is through immunisation with a vaccine called MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. This vaccine provides protection against infection with measles, as well as against mumps and rubella.
MMR vaccine should be given to children at age 15 months, and a second dose at age four years. These two doses of MMR provide protection against measles to over 95% of those immunised.
MMR vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine that has been used worldwide for many years. It is safe to have the vaccine even in those who have had previous measles or vaccination.
While many older adults are immune to measles because they were infected as children, young adults may have either not had measles, or received measles immunisation.
Unimmunised children who have come into contact with measles and who do not receive MMR should not attend school until 14 days after the rash appeared in the person with measles. It is recommended that susceptible adults also do not attend work during this period. This is because non-immune people can unknowingly spread the infection to others.

How can I protect myself and my family?
Get immunised against measles. It is never too late. Vaccination is free.
Check that your child is up-to-date with immunisations. If you are not sure about your or your child’s immunity, ask your family doctor.
Parents can also contact the National Immunisation Register (NIR) for the immunisation history of children under 5 years of age (born after 23 May 2005).
ends

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