Measles outbreak on rise in Christchurch

A measles outbreak is still on the rise in Christchurch with 21 cases confirmed and an outbreak suspected at a childcare centre.

The outbreak started after four teenagers at Christchurch Boys' High School were confirmed to have measles at the start of July.

Canterbury now had 21 cases of measles confirmed, mostly in teenagers, The Press reported.

The outbreak was now suspected at a childcare centre.

The national operations manager for the Lollipops Educare chain of childcare centres, Paula Hawkins, said an infant at its Papanui centre had been swabbed for the virus.

It was not confirmed yet whether the infant had measles or not, Ms Hawkins said.

Parents were being told to get their child vaccinated against the virus or given live measles antibodies, which it was believed stimulate the body to fight against it.

Health officials were investigating a possible historic failure of the measles vaccine, after some of those who caught the virus had been given one or two immunisation jabs.

Measles was a highly infectious viral infection which can lead to ear infections, pneumonia and diarrhoea. In severe cases it can cause brain damage and occasionally death.

Symptoms include fever, red eyes, runny nose, spots on the inside of the mouth and a rash which appears a few days after the fever.

Anyone who thinks they have measles should call their doctor.

- NZPA