New Measles Case Highlights Need for Continued Vigilance

27 April 2011

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) is urging people to be vigilant if they suspect they could have measles after a new case was confirmed in Auckland late last week.

It is believed the person may have caught measles while on a recent trip to Melbourne, where several other cases were also confirmed.

Earlier this month ARPHS reported the end of an outbreak which saw 24 people notified with measles since mid-January. However, as measles is still present in other parts of New Zealand and the world, it was likely to appear again.

Medical Officer of Health Brad Novak says measles must be taken very seriously. “This disease spreads easily through the air, especially from coughing and sneezing and it is highly infectious. It commonly causes ear infections and pneumonia and may lead to other serious complications. It can in some cases also be fatal.”

“Our clinical team of public health doctors and nurses is contacting a large number of people who may have come into contact with the person while they were infectious, but before measles was diagnosed.”

“Contact tracing involves contacting all the exposed people, assessing whether they are susceptible to measles infection, and providing public health advice including the need for isolation during the infectious stage, and immunisation if necessary,” says Dr Novak.

If you think you or someone in your care has measles
Prompt identification can help limit the spread of measles to others. If you or anyone in your care displays common symptoms such as a red rash that starts on the face and moves to the rest of the body, runny nose, cough, sore eyes or fever, seek immediate medical help – contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 or your local doctor. Phone ahead before visiting a doctor to minimise the spread of infection to others in the waiting room.

It is also important that if you suspect you may have measles, or you have had contact with someone suspected to have measles and you are not immune, that you remain in isolation to limit the spread of the disease.

How do I know if I’m immune?
People born before 1969 or who have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) or who have had measles in the past are considered to be immune.

Get immunised
Immunisation is the only effective way to protect against the disease. If you or any children in your care are not up to date with immunisations, then contact your GP or practice nurse and arrange to catch up as soon as possible. MMR is given in two doses, normally at 15 months and 4 years of age giving over 95% protection. However, it’s never too late to get immunised.

ENDS

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