Aucklanders applauded for their efforts over measles

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MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

26 JULY 2012

Aucklanders applauded for their efforts in ending measles outbreak

Health authorities are thanking Aucklanders for doing their part in helping end the measles outbreak which began in May 2011, with no new cases linked to the outbreak since 12 June this year.

Dr Richard Hoskins from the Auckland Regional Public Health Service says the increased uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine has played a large part in halting the spread of the disease in the Auckland region.

“We would like to thank everyone for heeding the message that immunisation is the best way to prevent the spread of measles, especially in high risk communities.”

“Primary care providers across the region should be applauded for their efforts in implementing the enhanced immunisation schedule, and proactively recalling patient groups who were at the highest risk from the disease,” says Dr Hoskins.

The immunisation schedule will now return to normal, with the first MMR dose to be given at 15 months, and the second at age 4 years.

“Our best defense against diseases like measles is immunisation. Several overseas countries are still reporting measles outbreaks, so we would urge the public to remain vigilant and ensure their family’s immunisations are fully up to date in order to prevent any future outbreaks,” adds Dr Hoskins.

As of 24 July 2012, there were 490 confirmed and probable cases of measles notified in Auckland since 30 May 2011 and 90 people requiring hospitalisation.

In addition to the national immunisation schedule reverting to the normal, the Auckland Regional Public Health Service will return to their usual procedure for managing contacts of reported cases.

ENDS

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