Health NZ Tairāwhiti urges measles vaccination as Northland outbreak reaches double figures

Health NZ-Tairāwhiti says immunisation is the best protection against measles as 11 cases of the highly contagious illness have been recorded in the country - 10 of those in Northland.

Health NZ-Tairāwhiti is advising the public that immunisation is the protection as cases of measles in the country have risen to 11.

One new measles case was confirmed in the Northland outbreak over the weekend, bringing the total number there to 10. One case has also been confirmed in Queenstown.

The Northland outbreak and the Queenstown case are unrelated and have been linked to recent travel to countries experiencing outbreaks.

The MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine is free for anyone under the age of 18 and those eligible for free healthcare, Health NZ - Tairāwhiti NZ said on its Facebook page.

“Here in Tairāwhiti, Kowhai House Clinic offers a range of pēpi, tamariki, rangatahi and hāpu māmā immunisations – including MMR. They’re open five days.”

Whānau can also book a vaccination appointment at most pharmacies, GPs and Pacific or Hauora Māori providers.

More information on where to get immunised can be found at www.healthpoint.co.nz/immunisation/tairawhiti/

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) is urging anyone who develops symptoms of measles at any time to stay at home and contact their healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 611-116 for free advice at any time.

Health NZ stressed measles “is a serious illness”.

It can cause pneumonia, severe diarrhoea, brain inflammation (encephalitis) and death, even in healthy children and adults.

“Even a typical case of measles can lead to people needing 1–2 weeks off work or school, and 1 in 3 people with measles may need to be admitted to hospital.

“Getting measles while pregnant can also lead to more severe illness, miscarriage or premature birth.”