Tuesday, 4 October 2011: Measles Update

MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, 4 October 2011: Measles Update

Auckland Regional Public Health Service can report that 24 new cases of measles across the Auckland region have been confirmed since last Tuesday.

As of this morning, the cumulative totals were:
• 203 people confirmed as having measles since May 30, 2011 when the outbreak began.
• three people in hospital over the weekend, bringing the total number of people needing hospital treatment since the outbreak began to 31.

Dr Richard Hoskins says, “We are urging people to ensure they are immunised as this is the best way for people to protect themselves against measles and is free to those who need it.

“If you are unsure of you or your family’s immunisation status or you have not been immunised call your doctor. By getting immunised you will not only be protecting yourself or your child – you’ll also be stopping this disease from spreading in our communities.

For more information on measles immunisation call Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) on 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863) or go to www.immune.org.nz

“Measles symptoms include 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. If you think you might have measles contact your doctor or Healthline on 0800 611116 for more advice. Measles is highly infectious so please phone your doctor first before going to the surgery.

“If people are unwell, they should stay away from work, school or public places to help prevent putting other people at risk.

“If you care for other people or young children as part of your work, it’s important that you are fully immunised to protect them and you.”

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

ENDS

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