Measles Notice Update 21/9/11

MEDIA UPDATE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday 21 September 2011

Aucklanders are being asked to take extra precautions and to ensure they are fully immunised against measles as the number of people diagnosed with the disease in the region continues to grow.

The latest measles outbreak in the Auckland region is now in its fourth month with cases rising significantly in the past week. It is now affecting workplaces, tertiary institutes, early childhood centres and schools.

The latest figures are:
• 164 confirmed cases of measles in the Auckland region since 30 May, 2011, an increase of 7 on yesterday.
• 42 confirmed cases reported since Tuesday, 13 September, 2011.
• 36 people currently in quarantine after contact with someone with measles.
• 24 cases have required hospitalisation during this outbreak.

Passengers on some recent domestic flights may also have been exposed to the virus by a fellow passenger in the early, infectious stage of measles.

The latest flights are:
• Jetstar JQ263 from Auckland to Wellington on Monday, 12 September at 6.40am.
• Air New Zealand NZ464 from Wellington to Auckland on Monday, 12 September at 5.30pm.
• Jetstar JQ244 from Christchurch to Auckland on Sunday, 18 September at 7.10am.

These are in addition to the flights already notified:
• Jetstar flight JQ265 Auckland to Wellington, 10.30am on Tuesday, 13 Sept 2011.
• Air New Zealand flight NZ446 Wellington to Auckland. 3.00pm on Thursday, 15 Sept 2011.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr Richard Hoskins says “anyone who travelled on those flights should check their immune status and if in doubt call their GP.”

If you know that you or your child are unimmunised and you suspect that you have measles or may have come into contact with someone who has measles, please stay away from school, work or other social activities to reduce the risk of spreading this disease.

Measles is a highly infectious disease spread by sneezing or coughing (or by direct contact with nose and throat secretions of someone with measles). Symptoms include fever, cough, blocked nose and sore eyes. After three to five days a rash appears. Measles can lead to serious complications such pneumonia and permanent disabilities.

“Anyone who has the symptoms should stay home, and call their doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116. As measles is highly infectious call your doctor before going to the surgery,” says Dr Hoskins

Dr Hoskins says “Immunisation is the most important way to prevent measles. People who haven’t been immunised are at risk of catching the disease.

“Check your immunisation status and if you or anyone in your household hasn’t been age appropriately immunised, make sure you are.

For more information on measles visit www.arphs.govt.nz/notifiable/measles.asp

ENDS

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