More Measles Cases Confirmed on Emirates Flight

Update: More Measles Cases Confirmed on Emirates Flight The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) were last week notified of four measles cases who were all passengers on Emirates Flight EK434 which departed Brisbane and arrived in Auckland at 5.30pm on the 11th January.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Richard Hoskins says two more measles cases have now been confirmed and there are likely to be further cases. "All six cases are children ranging in age from 5 to 16. One was hospitalised due to the severity of illness.

"Measles is a serious illness and one in ten people with measles need hospital treatment.

"ARPHS' role is contacting all the exposed people, assessing whether they are susceptible to measles infection, and providing public health advice including the need for isolation and further immunisation.

"They have almost certainly caught measles on the plane from the infectious cases. Measles is very easily transmitted from one person to another through the air, for example, while walking past the passengers with measles, or while waiting in the airport gate lounge.

"Measles is a significant illness and it's a shame that these children have developed it."

"The only way to protect from measles and its complications is to be fully vaccinated. My plea would be for parents and families to check that their children's immunisations are up-to-date.

How to protect you and your family against measles

* Make sure your children and family are fully immunised. It is the best way to provide protection against a number of diseases and complications. Measles can't be treated once you get it, so the only way to prevent the disease is through immunisation.

* Any passengers on the Emirates flight who are unwell should telephone their doctor or call Healthline on 0800 611-116 for advice. It is important to call first because measles is highly infectious and people with measles can infect others in the waiting room.

Dr Hoskins says measles is now rare in New Zealand, thanks to vaccination We had three outbreaks in 2009/2010, each of which was started by people who were infected overseas.

"People tend to underestimate measles - the reality is it can be a nasty disease."

ENDS

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