Measles Statistics Weekly Update #1

13 July 2011

Measles Statistics Weekly Update #1

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service can confirm:

• 64 confirmed cases of measles in the Auckland region as of this afternoon.
• 8 contacts are in quarantine (plus unimmunised contacts in Titirangi Private Kindergarten, Avondale College, Whakaaranga School and Auckland Academy of Dance).
• Five cases have now required hospitalisation
• Most cases have occurred in West Auckland with some spread to Central Auckland, North Shore, and Manukau.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Richard Hoskins says, “Of the 64 cases, almost all are in unimmunised people.” Several cases have unclear immunisation records, partial immunisation, or were immunised for the first time several days after exposure to an infectious case.

ARPHS records show there may be two people who got measles despite having the correct number of immunisations for their age (if immunisation was ineffective then about 90 percent of cases would be in immunised people).

We are continuing to receive notifications of suspect cases indicating vigilance in primary care.

During this outbreak, ARPHS has traced more than 400 contacts (not including those in schools and ECECs), most of the new cases are from transmission of the virus in schools and within households. “We are continuing to work with schools and early childhood centres to quarantine susceptible contacts at home in case they develop measles,” says Dr Hoskins.

It is important to stress that measles is a serious and highly infectious disease that make people, including infants, very sick.

“The only way to stop you catching measles is getting immunised. The vaccination is funded for children, young people and unimmunised adults.”

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 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

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