MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Measles outbreak escalates in Auckland

The news of a freshly imported case of measles brings the total number of confirmed cases in Auckland’s largest outbreak this year to 39.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) Medical Officer of Health, Dr Richard Hoskins, says that since nine of the cases are not able to be linked to cases from Oratia, plus another case from overseas, the focus now must be on immunisation.

“Given the level of community spread, this is the only option remaining to try to limit the spread of measles,” says Dr Hoskins. “Immunisation is the only way to avoid getting measles. The vaccination is funded for children, young people and unimmunised adults.”

“These new cases have been in several early childhood centres and we are now working with those centres to quarantine susceptible contacts at home in case they develop measles,” says Dr Hoskins.

“We strongly advise all children receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine at 15 months and 4 years. We also strongly advise catch up vaccinations for adolescents and adults who have had either none, or only one dose, of the MMR vaccine – particularly if they are intending to travel overseas.”

Dr Hoskins says passengers on a recent flight from Bangkok to Auckland might have been exposed to the measles virus.

Thai Airways flight TG491 landed in Auckland on Sunday, 19 June 2011 carrying a passenger who was in the early stages of measles and capable of infecting others.

“All passengers onboard the flight who have not had the right number of measles immunisations for their age, or are unsure, should be vigilant if they suspect they could have measles,” says Dr Hoskins. “We will be trying to contact a number of passengers who were sitting close to the passenger with measles.”

ARPHS advises that common symptoms of measles include a runny nose, cough, sore eyes and fever, followed by a raised red rash that starts on the face and moves to cover the rest of the body.

“Anyone, including passengers on Thai Airways flight TG491 on 19 June, displaying symptoms of measles should immediately telephone their doctor, or Healthline on 0800 611 116, for advice. It is important to call first because measles is highly infectious and people with it can infect others in the waiting room,” says Dr Hoskins.

“Prompt identification can help limit the spread of measles to others, particularly vulnerable groups within the community,” says Dr Hoskins.

ENDS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you think you or someone in your care has measles
Prompt identification can help limit the spread of measles to others. If you or anyone in your care displays common symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sore eyes and fever, followed by a raised red rash that starts on the face and moves to cover the rest of the body, seek immediate medical help – contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 or your local doctor. Phone ahead before visiting a doctor to minimise the spread of infection to others in the waiting room.
It is also important that if you suspect you may have measles, or you have had contact with someone suspected to have measles and you are not immune, that you remain in isolation to limit the spread of the disease.

How do I know if I’m immune?
People born before 1969 or who have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) or who have had measles in the past are considered to be immune.

Get immunised
Immunisation is the only effective way to protect against the disease. If you or any children in your care are not up to date with immunisations, then contact your GP or practice nurse and arrange to catch up as soon as possible. MMR is given in two doses, normally at 15 months and 4 years of age giving over 95% protection. However, it’s never too late to get immunised.

More information on immunisation
For information on immunisation, phone the Immunisation Advisory Centre free on 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863) or visit them at www.immune.org.nz .

Call Healthline for free health advice
Healthline (0800 611 116) is a free 24-hour telephone health information service. The service is staffed by registered nurses who will assess your health needs, and give information and advice to help you decide on the best level of care.

Interpreters
Healthline’s Language Line operates Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. When you call Healthline during these hours, the nurse or call handler can usually arrange for an interpreter Outside these hours Healthline uses other interpreter services as far as possible. It is not always possible to locate an interpreter in a particular language at short notice.

More information
www.arphs.govt.nz/notifiable/measles.asp .

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