Another measles case confirmed in Christchurch (updated)

Another measles case confirmed in Christchurch

Community and Public Health has recently confirmed another case of measles in Christchurch. This case is related to the current South Island measles outbreak, which has now infected 15 people.

Investigations have found that this most recent case visited a number of stores and other places while infectious.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr Cheryl Brunton, says measles is a serious illness and is highly contagious. People with measles are infectious for several days before the characteristic rash appears and the disease is very easily passed from one person to another through the air.

If you are not immune to measles you are at risk of getting the disease. People are only considered immune if they have received two doses of MMR vaccine or have had a confirmed measles illness previously or were born before 1969.

The recent measles case visited these places on the dates and times below:
1st May Hoyts Northlands between 10.00am and 1.30pm (Screening of ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’)
2nd May New World, Rolleston between 8.20 and 8.40 am
The Warehouse, Rolleston between 8.40 and 9.00am
3rd May Fresh Choice, Leeston between 2.50 and 3.10pm
4th May Harvey Norman, Hornby between 10.00 and 10.30am
Henrys, Hornby between 10.40 and 10.50am
6th May Fresh Choice, Leeston between 7.50 and 8.10am
7th May Selwyn Community Pharmacy, Lincoln between 2.50 and 3.10pm
New World, Rolleston between 3.20 and 3.40pm
Dominos, Rolleston between 3.40 and 3.55pm
8th May Pines Resource Recovery Park, Rolleston between 11.10 and 11.20am

Anyone who visited these places during the times listed and who is unsure whether or not they are immune to measles should check with their general practice. Catch up vaccinations are free, so we encourage everyone to check their immunisation status and to be vaccinated if they are not immune.

Dr Brunton says that anyone who visited the places at those times and becomes unwell should telephone their doctor or call Healthline on 0800 611-116 for advice. People should not go directly to a doctor’s office or hospital emergency department but call ahead, because measles is highly infectious and people with measles can infect others in a waiting room.

Measles symptoms
The time from exposure to measles to developing symptoms is usually 8-14 days, but can be longer. The typical symptoms of measles are:
• Fever, and one or more symptoms of a runny nose, cough and sore red eyes.
• After a few days, a red blotchy rash appears and lasts up to one week. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
• Children and adults with measles are often very sick.

For more information visit http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/measles/measles-frequently-asked-questions

ENDS

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