With the countries current vaccination rates, an expert warns New Zealand is at risk of a measles epidemic. Video / Dean Purcell / Katie Oliver / Ben Dickens
Two new measles cases have been found in Northland’s Bay of Islands, linked to the initial case identified on Friday.
This means there have now been six cases of measles in the region, plus an unrelated case in Queenstown.
The National Public Health Service said the two new cases areboth close contacts of the initial case and have been in quarantine while infectious.
In turn, the close contacts of the two new cases are also isolating to help prevent further spread.
Seven locations in Queenstown and Cromwell, where people are considered casual contacts, have been identified. The Bay of Islands Hospital on September 19 and 20 remains a casual-contact location of interest.
Anyone who attended the exams on the mornings of Wednesday, September 3, Thursday, September 4, or Friday, September 5, who has had a recent fever or rash should call Healthline on 0800-611-116, even if they have recovered.
Public health medicine specialist Dr Sharon Sime said it is important for people in the Northland, Queenstown and Cromwell communities to keep monitoring themselves for measles symptoms, such as a fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a rash, and to check the locations of interest.
Although the Queenstown case was unrelated to the Northland ones, both have links to international travel to countries experiencing measles outbreaks, so are an important reminder to get two doses of the MMR vaccine if travelling overseas, she said.
Northlanders are being urged to watch out for measles symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a rash. Photo / NZME
“And with school holidays continuing this week, it’s also a good time for parents and families to double-check the immunisation status of children and loved ones and, if they’re not up to date, to go and get immunised before heading back to school.”
Health target information released on Tuesday shows Northland’s childhood vaccination rate is the lowest in the country and falling.
The percentage of children fully immunised at 24 months in Northland is 62.3% for the latest quarter, down from 66.4% in the previous quarter. This is well below the national average of 82% in the latest quarter.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.
