Update on Measles Cases

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, 27 September 2011

Update on Measles Cases

Auckland Regional Public Health Service can report that 11 new cases of measles across the Auckland region have been confirmed since Friday.

As of this morning, the cumulative totals were:

* 179 people have been confirmed as having measles since May 30, 2011.
* 17 people are in quarantine
* 2 people were in hospital over the weekend, bringing the total number of people hospitalised since the outbreak began to 26

Dr Richard Hoskins says, "We urge anyone showing signs of measles to call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 611116 for more advice."

If people are unwell, they should stay away from work, school or public places to help prevent putting other people at risk. Call your doctor before going into their surgery so they can take measures to prevent the disease spreading.

The symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, sore red eyes and white spots on the inside of the mouth. After 3-5 days a rash appears on the head and spreads down the body.

The best way for people to protect themselves against measles is by immunisation.

"If you have not been immunised or are unsure of your family's immunisation status, call your doctor," says Dr Hoskins

Measles is a highly infectious and serious disease that can lead to complications such as ear infection, pneumonia and brain damage.

For further information see www.arphs.govt.nz/notifiable/measles.asp or phone Healthline 0800 611 116

ENDS

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