Measles continues to spread in Canterbury

21 March 2019

The number of measles cases in Canterbury has risen to 34, with a further five cases under investigation.

Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Ramon Pink says measles continues to spread in Canterbury.

“We’ve had another four confirmed cases this week and we’re concerned that numbers are tracking upwards,” says Dr Pink.

Dr Pink says Canterbury’s young people are being hit hardest by measles.

“Twenty-two of our 34 cases have occurred in people aged 28 and younger. This group is particularly susceptible to measles, and we need to increase vaccination uptake amongst this group if we’re to stop the spread of measles.”

GP teams are focusing on those who need the vaccine most – people aged between 12 months and 28 years who have never been immunised.

Dr Pink says the measles virus is incredibly infectious.

“In most cases we’ve been able to identify the confirmed case who has spread measles to contacts in the same household, school or workplace. But for some cases we haven’t been able to identify any links, indicating that measles is spreading in the community.

“We’re asking people who are unwell with measles-like symptoms, or who have never been vaccinated, to stay away from large gatherings. There is enough for our community to be dealing with right now without adding more illness.”

The symptoms of measles are a cough or runny nose or conjunctivitis, and a fever above 38.5 C, and a rash.

If you think you may have been exposed to measles or have symptoms, please call your general practice first, 24/7. Calls made to general practices after hours will be answered by a nurse who will advise you what to do and where to go if you need to be seen.

More information about measles is available at https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/diseases-and-illnesses/measles and http://www.immune.org.nz.

ENDS

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