Six more suspected cases of measles in Christchurch

Six more possible cases of measles have been identified in Christchurch as health authorities fight to control an outbreak of the disease in the city.

Four teenagers at Christchurch Boys' High School were confirmed to have measles last week.

A further six children and teenagers were suspected to have contracted the disease, Medical Officer of Health Dr Cheryl Brunton said.

Their close contacts were being advised to stay home unless they had had measles and mumps and rubella (MMR) immunisations.

"All parents, particularly those concerned that their children could be at risk in this outbreak, should check their children's immunisation record and if they have not been immunised contact their GP and arrange for it to be done," Dr Brunton said. Health officials were working to trace the contacts of those who were sick.

Measles is 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.

It can take between seven and 20 days for the onset of fever and rash. A person is infectious from the day before the start of symptoms to four days after the rash appears.

- NZPA