Whanganui parents are being encouraged to immunise their children against the measles following a recent outbreak of the disease in nearby areas.
Measles cases have been confirmed in places around New Zealand, including Levin.
Whanganui District Health Board head paediatrician David Montgomery said measles, one of the most infectious diseases in the world, was a serious illness.
"In 90 per cent of cases, measles causes high fevers, misery, cough, red eyes and rashes, and lasts about a week," Dr Montgomery said.
"In 10 per cent of cases it is more serious. Measles frequently causes pneumonia, croup, diarrhoea, and ear infections. For one in 1000 cases, measles causes encephalitis (brain inflammation), resulting in convulsions, paralysis, permanent brain damage, or death."