Parents get Fiji measles warning

Parents planning a school holiday jaunt to Fiji are being warned the islands are in the grip of a measles epidemic and should ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date before travelling there.

The country has 91 confirmed cases of measles and the outbreak is spreading quickly.

A national campaign has been launched to encourage the parents of Fiji's 120,000 children aged between six months and six years to get their youngsters vaccinated.

New Zealand Immunisation Advisory Centre director Dr Nikki Turner fears the popularity of Fiji as a school holiday destination could leave unvaccinated New Zealand children at risk of contracting the disease.