No new cases of measles but three under investigation in Bay of Plenty

There are no further confirmed cases of measles in the Bay of Plenty area, however, three possible cases are being investigated.

Toi Te Ora Public Health Medical Officer of Health Dr Jim Miller said today he had received three reports of possible measles which were currently being investigating.

This comes as one person remains in Tauranga Hospital following an announcement on Tuesday that there were four cases of measles in the last three weeks, all with connections to the Mount Maunganui area.

Miller said it was still not clear whether the four young people struck by measles in recent weeks were immunised

"Vaccination documentation is unavailable, and this is unlikely to change."

He said the one person still in Tauranga Hospital remains unwell.

On Tuesday Toi Te Ora Public Health released in a statement four cases of measles were confirmed in the Mount Maunganui area.

The highly infectious viral illness have occurred over the last three weeks.

About measles
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness and is spread from person to person through the air by breathing, sneezing or coughing. Just being in the same room as someone with measles can lead to infection if you are not immune. Measles can be serious, with around one in 10 people who get it needing to be hospitalised.

"The first early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, sore red eyes and cough," Miller said.

"After three to five days a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and head and then spreads down the body."

Anyone who thought they had measles should stay home and call their doctor or Healthline to arrange an assessment, to avoid putting anyone else at risk.

• Anyone who thinks they have been exposed to measles or is exhibiting symptoms, should not go to the ED or after-hours clinic or general practitioner. Instead, call your GP any time, 24/7 for free health advice.

• For more information or advice on measles, please call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or see the Ministry of Health's measles page.

For more information:

- Toi Te Ora Public Health website: www.toiteora.govt.nz/measles
- Immunisation Advisory Centre free phone: 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863)
- Immunisation Advisory Centre website: www.immune.org.nz
- Ministry of Health website: www.health.govt.nz/measles
-Don't Assume You're Immune website: www.getimmunised.org.nz