Measles Statistics Weekly Update #5

Monday 8 August 2011

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service can confirm:
• 104 confirmed cases of measles in the Auckland region as of this morning
• Six contacts are in quarantine
• Seven cases have required hospitalisation during this outbreak
• 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 “There have been two recent measles cases in Auckland Girls Grammar School. The school has been advised to make all parents aware of this and exclude any students who are not fully immunised.

“There has been one confirmed international case linked to this outbreak, a 36 year old Australian man who visited Waitakare Hospital in July has now been confirmed to have measles.

“If you do come into contact with a person infected with measles, if you have not been immunised, or if you have not had the disease, then you may be advised to be isolated; to stay at home and away from all public places, school or work for 14 days after coming into contact.

“Pregnant women who are not immunised and who get measles are at risk of miscarriage, still birth and low birth weight. While pregnant women cannot be immunised it is very important that their family and close contacts are, to protect the pregnant mother and unborn baby.

“More than 90 percent of people are protected from measles once they have been fully immunised. Measles is a highly infectious disease, symptoms include fever, cough, blocked nose, sore red eyes. If you think you or anyone in your family might have measles contact your GP or Healthline on 0800 611 116, for advice.” says Dr Hoskins

ENDS

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